- Username
- EightiesGirl
- Date posted
- 3y ago
Hello!! I know that was probably difficult for you. I had to deal with this myself at work when my boss was saying he was OCD with how things are presented or displayed. I got really annoyed and offended. “I’m so OCD” is overly saturated and very ignorant. I think it’s great you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and doing exposures! It seems like you have a good friend and maybe this will be a good time to tell her how you feel and what you’re struggling with. In order to minimalize the stigma and stereotypes, we need to address and correct them. Maybe you won’t have to go into much detail, but it might be a good idea to say you were hurt. I’m sure she will understand and show compassion.
I definitely like your response . 100% agree with what you said !
Yeah....it is so frustrating. Theres a while marketing campaign around OCD as Obsessive Christmas Disorder. I didn't want to tell my mom about my OCD. But she caught me at a weak moment and basically guilt tripped me by saying that I always shut her out and never tell her anything. I knew she wouldn't be able to handle a lot of detail, so I gave her just bare bones. When I got done, she says "I think everyone is a little OCD." It was so hurtful and so dismissive. It sent me into a massive spiral and I almost quit treatment because of it. I started doubting myself, my counselor, and my treatment. A friend helped me through it. My mom just doesn't get it when it comes to mental illness. I have offered her opportunities to get educated, but she refuses.
I know she loves me, and I know she has good intentions, but it still hurts
Thank you so much for your responses. I have thought about this a bit and do realize that she likely doesn't mean any harm, and to be fair she doesn't know that I have OCD (not that it makes it okay to use the term incorrectly!). OCD is so commonly misused in everyday conversation, that many people just have no idea that their usage could be damaging or offensive. I'm going to write up an email tonight (that I may or may not send) but at least it will help me organize my thoughts. I really appreciate you both sharing your experiences and insight.
Yesterday, I listened to an interview with one of the founders of NOCD. He was talking about this very subject and was talking about how to get people to understand what OCD feels like. He said to have them get a pen and paper and write I hope (name of person they care about) dies tonight. Ask then to notice how uncomfortable that is and how they felt writing that. Some people will refuse to write it. Others will scratch it out or wad up the paper. Then he Imagine having that thought 100 or 200 times a day. Imagine how distressed and upset that would make you feel. That is what it is like for someone who has OCD." I thought that was genius.
@Lms526 That’s definitely accurate . He was on point with that analogy 💯
@Junior96! I thought so too
*me preparing to share with loved ones or friends about my mental illness* *taking a deep breath and being brave* me: “So... I wanted to share something deep with you. I have recently been struggling with OCD.” them: “OH MY GOD ME TOO!!!! I hAtE iT wHeN tHiNgS aRe NoT cLeAn!!!!!!!!!”
I'm looking for some comfort. I'm having a hard time at work this morning unfortunately, because I mistakenly mentioned my OCD to a coworker who is completely ignorant to anything anxiety related. He replied, "I dont like labels, you just have tendencies" he seemed to scoff at the idea of needing a therapist. I was reminded of how fragile i am, because I got so angry at the thought of all the internal suffering and torment i went through because of ocd, and that some people have no clue just how severe it can be.. And to think someone completely ignorant to it thinks they know what I went through when they dont even have an inkling..I'm hoping someone here will reply and remind me there are people who get it. It's not a joke, it's not exclusive to keeping things orderly, it's not something you can just get over
Just had a doctor's appointment and I was telling her about my contamination issues - that I shower before sex and after going to the toilet etc. And she was like 'that's excessive'. I told her I had OCD and her tone implied she thought I was being dramatic. It was so dismissive and now I feel like I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Especially when none of my friends really understand what's going on :( Sorry, just had to vent this out!! Hope you're all having better days than I am :')
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