Ask the Therapist
Can Being Homosexual and Pretending Not to be Lead to Disorders?
Hi, and thanks for your time in advance. My question is this: can being homosexual and pretending not to be lead to disorders? I know I have low self-esteem and abuse alcohol, but could it lead to a real disorder?
There are three kinds of disorders. One is organic, meaning it is physiological and part of a problem with body or brain chemistry. The second is psycho-social, which means it's learned. The third is a mix of the first two. Denying your identity could lead to a state of stress or anxiety so great that it could lead to a clinical definable disorder, yes. The likelihood is pretty low. It's more likely that, by continuing to deny yourself (if you are indeed talking about yourself) you will end up profoundly unhappy and begin to manifest what is called a "depressed mood", which could lead you to become very angry, maybe suicidal, maybe a social isolate...any number of non-clinical, but non-the-less serious situations.
This is a rhetorical question and one you don't have to answer to me, although I am curious. What is preventing you from exploring your sexuality? Culture, upbringing, location, guilt??? By looking at your screen name I'm going to guess that you are either a high school or college student, class of 2000. You're young. Do you really want to volunteer for this struggle for the rest of your life. This isn't a read through or a dress rehearsal. You get one shot and you need to look for your joy in living your life. Think about it.
