Need serious advice regarding porn and masturbation. Don't know what to do anymore

[akiharu]

I’ve been struggling with this for probably 10 years now and I hate myself everytime I do it. Now recently I managed to not do it for over a month and was very happy with myself, but now yesterday I fell for the temptation yet again and it just feels so hopeless being stuck in this for almost half of my life. No matter how much I try I never seem to be able to stop, only take long “breaks” at most. Any prayers are of course appreciated, but I feel like I also need some serious practical tips to be able to stop this lifestyle.

 

[pensmama87]

The standard advice for avoiding this or other types of habitual sins is to avoid the ability to indulge in them. Avoid being alone; make friends, have hobbies that you participate in publicly. Work hard, keep your hands busy, volunteer. Go to bed tired. Be busy. Move your computer to a public place, or even get rid of it.

The fact that you are having long breaks is a good sign.

Having an accountability person can help, too - a counselor would be a good help, especially because they can be counted on to maintain the strictest confidentiality and can help you figure out how to avoid compulsive behaviors.

 

[Babinicz]

Practical tips? Every temptation is a lie. You have strong urge, you think that your body is gonna blow up? No, its a lie. The day after tempation your body will probably be fine like nothing happened. Its only my experience

 

[mdgspencer]

Keep on praying. Don’t stop praying.

 

[Viki63]

Keep praying, especially to St. Joseph, and go to confession.
What helped me most was when I realized that we have “a cloud of witnesses” around us. Really, the saints in heaven are able to see what we do, although I’m sure they often don’t look out of respect.
So every time you are tempted, ask yourself if you would do this if you could see Our Lady, St. Joseph, and other saints in the room with you. You probably wouldn’t even if ANYone was in the room, but how much more with saints and angels around you?
I could be wrong, but I don’t think so,
You can also ask your guardian angel to help you.
God bless you in your efforts.

 

[stuartbrianhenlis]

Hi Akiharu,

If you’re “triggered” by looking at porn or attractive women on the street, this is how I deal with the urge: I just tell myself that these people are “children of God” and that neutralizes the urge. Give this a try and see how it works.

 

[NickyMaz]

Hi, just want to send my encouragement, I too struggle with this same issue.

Some thoughts for you: God sees that you are trying and he loves you for it, so many indulge in this sin without remorse so the fact that you are fighting it is huge. God loves you so be gentle with yourself when you do slip up. Keep praying, when you feel tempted start reciting an Our Father and it will be a big help. Consider porn blocking software on your compute and/or phone. Keep yourself busy and around others. Avail yourself of the sacraments often, go to confession and mass! Finally, remember it’s a daily struggle and you’re never truly ‘cured’, just keep at it.