Many people fear to heal from fetishism disorder and let go of their fetish. An attachment to and reliance upon a fetish for sexual gratification is extremely addictive. Fetishism is an intense sexual attraction to an inanimate object or body part for sexual satisfaction. Misled by misconceptions that healing from fetishism would be painful, resulting in the loss of the ability for sexual arousal and gratification, many are trapped in the vicious cycle of pain and pleasure. Use of a fetish is seen as a tool necessary to gain sexual pleasure, however, this sexual high is short-lived, often followed by feelings of disgust, shame, emptiness and self-hatred.
Self-damaging relationship with a fetish
All fetish addictions stem from pain; fetishism disorders develop as a by-product of deeper mental problems, caused by pressures, criticism, loss and abuse in earlier years. People with fetishism disorder often feel a deep sense of shame and loneliness. The reluctance to heal is part of the illness due to the association with sensual pleasure. When the senses come in contact with specific objects, they give rise to immense pleasure. However, the more one engages with a fetish the stronger the association between abuse and pleasure. Repeated engagement in psychological or physical abuse causes mental damage that gradually escalates.
Common root causes of fetish disorder are:
- A distorted, unhealthy parent-child relationship
- Witnessing inappropriate sexual behaviour during childhood
- Sexual abuse
- Character disorders
- Mental health issues