I'm Paranoid

[Ben]

Hi,

I have come to the conclusion at the age of 46, I am a bit compulsive; not just about Porn but other stuff too. There's defiantly a bit of OCD going on !

Anyway, relating to Porn, I watch it for an hr or so in the evenings or on a lazy Sat morning. Ive never been in a chat room, nor do i download/pay for images,but what worries me are things; Firstly, on some sites including Twitter, there is a bit of underage sex going on. I want to make this clear that I have no interest in this, but, sometimes, it does come up and this makes me even more guilty than ever. Point 2, (call me paranoid) but since Nov 2016 the UK Govt. brought out the 'Snoopers Charter' which basically gives the Police/security services etc. the right to look at everyone's internet browsing history this really worries me too & I find myself feeling v paranoid & expecting a visit from the Police. Am I being over anxious? Id appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

Ben

[Peter Watts]

Hello Ben,

According to UK law, sexual content of people under the age of 18 is illegal. I believe this can include content where an individual is made to appear under age, or animation giving the same impression, though I may be wrong on this. If you want further information on the law then you should take a look at these pages:

• Prohibited Images of Children (UK Government official site): http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/prohibited_images_of_children/
• Extreme Pornography (UK Government official site): http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/extreme_pornography/
• A factsheet, which is not legal advice but may be helpful: http://www.fpa.org.uk/factsheets/law-on-sex

If you stay within these guidelines then, legally, you have little to worry about. Alternatively (or even additionally), you may want to see someone to help you address your anxieties, OCD and pornography use.

[Ian Baker]

Hi Ben

 

in Paula Halls book there is an exercise, the two circle exercise. it helps people to reflect on what is out of control and what is OK, not OK and iffy. this brings in a focus to what it is someone, is wishing to recover from.  But it can cause lots of anxiety. Talking it through in therapy can be helpful. lessen the angst and get more clarification.