Support For Lots Of Stress

If you have lots of stress, and you turn to sexual behaviors to cope with that stress, then this page is for you. It does not matter what your chosen behavior is: If it is sexual in nature, then you have come to the right place.

Why Get Support?

If you are at this page, you probably know the reason why: You just cannot do it on your own. You have tried, and you are getting more and more desperate, more and more lonely, and more and more afraid. It is time for that cycle to end. Chances are, the people who care about you are concerned. They have probably noticed that something is off, and they might have said something to you. Well, they say that because they care about you, they just do not know what is bothering you. They can be a valuable resource in helping you take the first steps to getting help, but they need to know what is going on. That is not an easy conversation to have, but it can start with the words, “I have a problem that I have hidden from you, and I want your help in facing that problem and getting better.”

Yes, that first step is hard to take. But once you do, a whole new world opens: A world where you can be honest with the people closest to you, and you do not have to hide anymore. Keeping secrets and finding that new high can take a lot more energy than you think, and having that weight lifted is like those martial arts movies where people train with weights, and then take them off for a fight and get faster and stronger. You probably never even noticed the weight was there before, and chances are that you will not unless you tell someone about what is going on. Even if that first step is calling a hotline, it is a step worth taking. Below are some resources you can use to finding help with sexual issues related to stress.

Support Resources

This list of resources is in semi-alphabetical order. This site presents them as resources and does not endorse any particular organization over another. You must do your own research on what best fits your situation.

This is a US-specific organization that educates, certifies, and trains therapists and others in topics related to sexuality. They have a tool to locate sexuality professionals in your area, provided you live in the US.

This company has a variety of assessment and treatment services. While it is based in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, they may be able to refer you to resources in your area. While they focus on cybersex, internet, and sexual addictions, they may be able to help you pin down other resources related to these areas

This is a 12-step program designed for those with sexual addiction or dependency issues. They have meetings in the US, Canada, and a variety of other countries. They also have electronic meetings if your country is not represented, and they have a handy tool at the top to find out if their program is right for you. Similar programs are Sexaholics Anonymous and Sexual Compulsives Anonymous.

This is a support system for parents. Their helpline (US, 1-855-427-2736) is available M-F, 10am-7pm PST, and many resources are available on their website. If you are not in the US, you may be able to find something in your area by searching “support hotline for parents in [location].”

This is a referral tool that you can use. It is a confidential form where people can get help with a variety of issues. Do not let the name of the organization fool you: They are mental health professionals who only want to help, and they will not assume you have or will harm someone sexually. Under the first section, select “potential client,” and select the population that best fits you, and under “referral type”, select “community outpatient.”

Stop It Now! operates a helpline available in the United States, and they can direct you to resources in those areas as well as serving as someone to talk to. Most contact is anonymous unless you choose to share identifying information.

The Center for Sexual Health is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is one of the main clinics that can handle a wide range of sexual health concerns, including compulsive sexual behavior. They do refer people to other clinics if you are not in their area.

This organization is one of many focused on sexual health, and they have a tool that can show affiliate therapists on a map. This can be a useful start for finding therapy, though doing a simple internet search for “sexual health therapists in [location]” may be easier.

Safer Lives is a UK-based project led by a three-person team, and provide support for people who have harmed or are under police investigation.