I didn't want to put this in any of the main forums because it isn't specifically about porn, nor in loneliness cause it isn't really about that either. Anyway, I was wondering if anybody on here struggles with mental health issues beyond the ones that might stem from PMO. Personally I find that PMO makes my anxiety and depression worse, and in some cases can actually trigger depressive/anxious episodes. I don't think PMO caused these things though. Anyone who feels comfortable enough to share, feel free.
Sure. I tend towards depression, can get very pessimistic about things and while PMO did contribute to it I don't think that is the sole cause especially since the PMO issue has been resolved at this point, and even if something was the only cause in the first place it doesn't always mean removing the cause is the solution or helps you get better. And at least a part of the solution may not be mental, even though it's for mental health. There's really a ton of factors that might go into it and without following someones story closely I don't even see how it's possible to get specific. We can talk about all kinds of self improvement/self care stuff that's good to do but not only is it just an extremely long list but people suffering really needs the most impactful intervention to start with to feel like there's hope to tackle the rest.
Thanks for sharing. I agree with what you have said. The intent of the thread however wasn't to help people necessarily, just for people to share or get things off their chest if they want to. Of course if people do find it helpful beyond my intentions that is good too.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is caused by prolonged trauma (usually during childhood) as opposed to regular PTSD being caused by a singular incident of trauma.
My AP is a retired therapist, but does some coaching and always laments that cPTSD is not understood or even know of in the therapeutic community.
Same: borderline personality disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder. Both started years before porn use.
Thanks for sharing. Do you find that these things effect Nofap? I find that depression is a big trigger for me.
Depression makes it difficult to have self-control. It is the same if you are trying to follow a diet for e.g. or persist with an exercise routine. All these things are a battle of the mind. Depression drains us of our motivation. Furthermore, we have a history of using porn to fix negative emotions. It is hard to break that vicious cycle when you have clinical depression.
And same for me as well! Depressive since childhood, and I've been diagnosed BPD at around 13yo, when I started PMOing at 17. Thank you for sympathising. BPD sometimes makes my life hell indeed. But I got told it gets better with age so I'm remaining hopeful
Wow! That is the youngest diagnosis I ever heard. In the UK, they are reluctant to diagnose BPD before the age of 18.