OCD Youth

Warning: Javascript has been disabled. To experience this site as intended please enable javascript from your respective browser preferences section.

General Discussion Forum

General Discussion

Public Group

Notes: Last active 2 months, 3 weeks ago

This section is open to all. Feel free to say hello, ask questions, and share all your thoughts and feelings about OCD.

Viewing post 1 to 2 (2 total posts)

Topic Title: Help me understand please?

2 posts

← General Discussion Forum Return to Groups

noname00 said 5 years, 3 months ago:

Hi, I am someone who doesn’t suffer from OCD, but wants to support someone who does. I have a slight understanding of the severity of OCD, the loneliness many that suffer with OCD face, the unbearable judgement of themselves and I sort of understand that it can trigger and bring on many unwanted thoughts and (false?) memories, I just would like to understand, from your perspective, for those who suffer, what would your ideal help be from someone else? I mean, if your best friend or partner wanted to help you, how would you advise it? Which things would be beneficial? Could anyone please give me any tips and any information i should know,I have the intention to support and understand who i’m trying to help forever, I just havent been the best at it and I dont want to be the reason anything for her gets harder, I hope everyone is having a good day and maybe someone can help, thanks

moresunshine said 5 years, 3 months ago:

Hello! It’s very nice to see someone so eager to help someone who suffers with OCD One of the key things you must have to be able to support someone with OCD is patience. Many people don’t understand how much anxiety intrusive thoughts cause, and how hard it is to face them. When the person you’re trying to help can’t resist doing a compulsion, don’t get mad. Be patient. While her fears may seem silly and irrational to you, they are very real to her. Also, don’t be judgemental. Some people suffer from very horrible intrusive thoughts, ones which may upset or shock you. If she ever speaks about her thoughts to you, make it clear that you still care for her, and want to help her. Finally, don’t help her carry out her compulsions. If she asks for reassurance, or wants you to help her carry out a compulsion, don’t. It’s hard not to, but it will only reinforce her OCD. Agree on an approach that’ll help her instead. Together, you may decide just to ignore her questions, and instead help her to challenge her compulsions. Give her comfort, like a hug, but not reassurance. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be very hard not to reassure and help, and sometimes you’ll have no choice but to reassure. I suggest you read as much as you can about OCD and how you can help. Remember to take care of yourself! Good luck, I hope this is helpful