Has anyone recovered from porn addiction while having underlying mental issues, like ocd, anxiety, depression, low self esteem etc ? How was it and do you feel like you've recovered all the way ? Or do you still sometimes find yourself objectifying and sexualizing women ? Were you in therapy while rebooting ? All kinds of experiences are welcome. Thanks !
My story: Im 28years old and watched porn over 15 years very actively, until last year I finally stopped it. Im also in therapy because of many mental issues like anxiety, ocd, low self esteem etc. And when im down or anxious or very tired I still feel like I want to see sexy women and I enjoy when I get to see one.... and I hate it at the same time...so much. Im in relationship with amazing woman and I love her. I dont want to feel anything towards others. Im starting to worry that will these feelings and urges ever go away, and are my mental issues the problem why I cant stop sexualizing and objectifying... or do I just need more time to recover.
I deal with all the issues you listed to some degree. I am 28 days into my recovery after a 25 year PMO habit. I find myself getting a little stronger every day mentally. I really believe the PMO habit was the cause of most of my mental sufferings.
I had (still have OCD) and to be honest recovery of sexual addiction with OCD is extremely extremely difficult especially if the cause of your OCD is some emotional unhealed trauma. Recovery will take a long time than normal case but it is not impossible. I also suffer from high anxiety regarding future but i think anxiety is amplified by PMO. It is like anxiety leads to PMO and PMO leads to anxiety. Deadly cycle. I feel like I have long way to go as far as healing is considered.. My average for a long time (a year) used to be 0 days but right now it is increasing to 4 days. So I think that is progress. I think we first need to deal with the underlying mental health issues then only we can focus on PMO recovery. For me that took lol 2 years and now I am focussing on recovery. I am a women I just sexualize people I am in love with. But I don't wanna do that. So I really avoid dating and all to focus on recovery right now. Additionally dating gives me anxiety right now Regarding therapy yes I was in therapy for codependency and healing childhood wounds. It really helped Being spiritual and closed to God also helps. I think that really helps as God can heal everything but you need to submit to him fully. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family also helps and speeds up your recovery (although I had none of those things available at my time unfortunately but right now I have amazing friends and all it really helps) It is difficult not impossible. I m/was also one of them and I am healing. Recovery is slow though. You need to heal your OCD first. Best of luck