Hello Fapstronauts, I'm going by CableGuy, I've used that name for a while, and I'm comfortable with it. I'm 26 years old. I'm one of Jehovah's witnesses. I have an addiction to porn and masterbation. I have anxiety, insomnia, and most likely depression. I've admired nofap from a far for a few years now, and decided I need more interaction. So I signed up. I have prayer, the bible, the elders in my congratulation, and a few others I confide in for support, and in my study of the bible I've seen that talking to others is a useful tool (James 5:16). So while I do have my core of bible study and prayer for my support, I would like to avail myself to this wonderful service (2 Tim 3:16; Phil 4:6,7). If anyone is interested in what I believe, feel free to ask me, I'm comfortable. I can really use the help and support from all of you. Thanks CableGuy
Hello! Good for you realising that you need people to talk to. People here are friendly and you can talk to is about anything. We don't mind, whatever it is we'll listen. I believe there are even various religious groups here if you feel such a thing would be useful. Good luck on your journey.
Welcome to NoFap where you are amongst friends who are here to encourage you and not judge you. What are your current strategies for combating the enemy called PMO?
Well I've been focusing on creating an environment with low sexual stimulation. I turned off my internet, except on my phone, and I don't have cable. I put an app to block specific content on my phone and had a friend set the password. That needs to be revisited though since I'm using a different phone at the moment, and has been a problem. I enjoy audio books and podcasts, but I've noticed some get me in need of a cold shower. So I've just been unsubscribing to anything, at all, that's making my brain put the the moves on. Also part of my strategy is spiritual, I try to read the bible every day, and I also make pmo a subject of scriptural study. There are a lot of good scriptures that highlight help that is offered or show examples of faith in time of hardship, and focusing on those along with prayer has been so good. I also take advantage of the help and support my friends offer. I also actively search out more to add to my toolkit to keep myself pmo free.
Hey and welcome @CableGuy. Do the elders in your congregation have any info, understanding or advice about masturbating to porn as an addiction?
The elders primary responsibility in the congregation is to provide the scriptures on the subject in a way that let's the scriptures speak for themselves. The organization of Jehovah's witnesses provides a lot of information in the watchtower and awake on all kinds of subject, and there are several articles on this one. All of them within the last ten years are available for free online. So while the elders have training to be helpful, their source of info is available to anyone. And if they address something like porn or masterbation, they do their do diligence to study about it before talking to someone about it
The link to available online articles can be found here. Jehovah 's Witnesses have long known about the harmful effects of pornography even though society at large has downplayed it's corruptible influence. The elders in the congregation have been taught to be compassionate, helpful, and supportive. They help provide accountability, education, and spiritual help. They provide one-on-one personal assistance. They recognize that they are not therapists, mental health experts, or addiction counselors and encourage people to seek professional help for deeper mental health issues.
Welcome to NoFap brother! I applaud your bravery! I am a Jehovah's Witness as well, struggling with PMO addiction just like you, and I'm very happy to see I'm not the only witness dealing with this problem! Stay strong, and good luck on your voyage.
Hey cableguy.. I'm one of JW as well. Like you, I have struggled w pmo for quite some time. I am 32 yo and so far I've been able to overcome P, but mo is still a struggle. Although I must say that the temptation to go back to P is at times very strong, leading me to look up material that in itself may not be actual p, but gets really close to being it. In any case, prayer and personal study has definitely been huge in my recovery. Mainly because that's how you build a stronger relationship with Jehovah. So don't give up on the fight, and know that it is possible to overcome this addiction. Phill 4:13 is very much true. I'd be more than happy to help perhaps as an AP if you'd like. I can always use another one in my on going battle. Contact me if you'd like. Stay strong my brother.
I propose we start a journey together as brothers in the Lord..with daily tasks, accountability, prayer, fasting and I hope God will deliver us from PMO
