Pornography is everywhere these days, and for many people, it’s use is a normal part of life. But sometimes, something that starts off as curiosity or stress relief can begin to feel more like a habit that’s hard to break. Here are five signs that your relationship with porn might be getting in the way of the life you want.
1. You’re Watching More Than You Mean To
Maybe you plan to watch for a few minutes, but it turns into hours. Or maybe you find yourself needing more extreme or frequent material just to feel the same effect. When you feel like you’re not fully in control of how often or how long you watch, that’s a sign it might be becoming compulsive.
2. It’s Impacting Your Relationships
You might feel distant from your partner, or even lose interest in real-life intimacy. Some people find they start comparing real partners to what they see in porn, or feel ashamed and start hiding things. If porn use is creating secrecy, tension, or emotional disconnection, it’s worth exploring further.
3. You Use It to Cope with Difficult Feelings
It’s normal to want to escape sometimes. But if porn becomes your main way of dealing with stress, loneliness, boredom, or sadness, it can start to act like a crutch. Over time, it might even start making those feelings worse.
4. You’ve Tried to Cut Back (But Keep Slipping)
Many people who struggle with compulsive porn use have tried to stop, or promised themselves they’d stop, only to find themselves right back at it. If willpower alone isn’t working, you’re not alone. That’s often a sign there’s something deeper going on that needs support.
5. It’s Affecting Your Confidence or Self-Respect
You might feel ashamed, stuck, or disappointed in yourself. Or maybe you feel like porn is shaping your views on sex, people, or relationships in ways that don’t sit right with you. If porn use is leaving you feeling worse instead of better, it’s okay to want something different.
You’re Not Alone, And You’re Not Broken
Struggling with porn doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your weak. It means you might be using something to meet a need, like comfort, escape, or connection, in a way that isn’t working anymore.
At Room to Change, I offer confidential, non-judgmental support to help you understand your relationship with porn and explore healthier ways forward.
📍 Edinburgh Based Therapist
💬 Online and in-person counselling sessions available
🌐 roomtochange.co.uk
