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Q: 

Am I a sex addict?

By April 12, 2010 - 12:08am
 
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I am 20 years old, and bisexual. I have bipolar disorder and OCD. I went through a time when I was about 14 when all I could think about was sex. Then it took a back seat, but I still had times where all I could think was about sex. It makes me feel dirty and gross. About half a year ago I started acting out on it. I have never had sex, but I have used...things. I hate it, and I can't speak to any one close about it.
The only thing that ever really helped me was self mutilation, and I was able to stop, but as soon as I stopped, my sexual desires went haywire.

I don't know what to do, but feeling this way hurts. I come from a christian family, and I am a christian, which makes this all worse.
Is there something I can do? Like mabey a way to deaden my nerves down there, because its starting to look like that is the only option. If you have any advise, please let me know! Thanks.

Add a Comment2 Comments

Hi Raine-

Your situation is a little complicated. As far as being a sex addict, it is not the most likely diagnosis for you, and contrary to what we see on television, not all that common.

You say you have OCD and Bipolar. I assume you have been to a professional and been diagnosed? Are you currently in therapy or consulting with a psychiatrist? Because either or both of these issues could be the reason for your sexual behavior. A very common problem with Bipolar mania is hypersexuality, meaning you feel extremely sexual and act out on these impulses. Then later, people often feel guilty about what they've done. But the way you state you have difficulty stopping also makes me wonder if the OCD isn't playing a role here as well.

You mention self-mutilation. This is a huge issue, and a dangerous one. This tells me you have some serious difficulties that need to be worked out with a professional.

None of this is related in any way to being Christian, any more than being diabetic would make you a bad Christian. You have two diagnosed mental illnesses, and that is not something you or anyone else can control purely through will or prayer. Please see a psychiatrist, therapist, or both, and be extremely open and honest about what is happening. They will not judge you. The problems you are having are actually fairly common, it's just that no one talks about it. A therapist and/or psychiatrist will assist you in getting the Bipolar and OCD under control, and most likely the sexual urges and self-mutilation will calm down right along with them.

Please do not hesitate to see a professional, and let me know if I can help further. Do not blame yourself. You have done nothing to feel guilty about. You just need some assistance.

April 13, 2010 - 6:53am
(reply to Cary Cook BSN RN)

Thank you for your support. I do see a counselor, but I haven't been that honest about this. I guess I have to. Thanks again.

April 13, 2010 - 12:57pm
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