Talking with family about your OCD Themes

So I wanted to ask, to what extent should your family know about your OCD? And is it helpful that they know the full extent of the themes you suffer from. For myself my family knows I have OCD coupled with intrusive thoughts and I’ve described some of them such as my hit and run OCD and some lighter Harm themes, but I’ve never truly divulged the full content of my thoughts because I feel like there’s a possibility they might not understand entirely and maybe be confused by some of the more taboo themes I.e. Harm OCD, POCD, Sexual thoughts etc. Personally I feel like I don’t need to tell them absolutely everything going on with my OCD but was just curious how others have gone about it. Thanks.

Username: OcdNutballOcdNutball

Date posted: 2y ago

I have told my mum the full extent and she’s read enough to know about them but she gets real worried when u tell her about Suicidal OCD , I tend not to talk about OCD as much as it gives it more acknowledgement then it deserves and knows I’m worrying over it , I only talk about it if it gets real bad

Username: orpheniaorphenia

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

That’s definitely fair, thanks for sharing. 🙏

Username: anonymoususer894445anonymoususe...

Date posted: 2y ago

hey, I haven’t been diagnosed with ocd but I’ve never been tested but from what others have told me and extensive research, I’m almost sure I do. Anyways, my intrusive thoughts make me so uncomfortable and I cry or almost cry about them everyday. Some I can’t say out loud bc of how disgusting they make me feel. I’ve told my mom that I have uncomfortable thoughts but I haven’t told her anything specific. I suggest doing what’s comfortable for you. I personally they need to know *everything* bc of some of the themes you mentioned, some people don’t understand that they aren’t who we are and aren’t desires. So overall, it’s your brain, your choice. If there are certain members of ur family u think will understand more or that you’re closer to, u could share more but just share enough for them to understand that ocd isn’t just cleaning lmaoo. Sorry for the long response, best wishes :)

Username: orpheniaorphenia

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Much appreciated, and no worries at all. Thanks for sharing your story 🙏

Username: Jesse MillerJesse Miller

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

I think it has to be up to you and how this would benefit you in recovery. I have told my family about my OCD and my themes and I’m pretty open about it. I think the only time it helps is when I say things like “I wish I would get hit by a bus” or tell my family about my harm thoughts I have. I think it gives them some peace of mind to think “oh we know why she is saying these things”. Sometimes it helps also because when you start feeling triggered, your family can be your support to help you in facing your anxiety instead of leaning into compulsions. Family can be an amazing support system, but you might have to explain where they need to support you so they aren’t helping you in your compulsions.

Username: orpheniaorphenia

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Most definitely, I feel like having that support system is important. Thanks for sharing 🙏

Username: scroopy8scroopy8

Date posted: 2y ago

I think them just knowing more about Pure O, without themes can help, especially if they see you suffering and don't understand why.

Username: orpheniaorphenia

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Also I realize “lighter Harm themes” sounds kind of strange but I mean ones that may seem more common like using a kitchen knife etc.

Username: TheBigCahuna

Date posted: 4y ago

I would love to hear more experiences from people about telling family about their OCD and associated symptoms. I don’t tell them because they would only worry, and I know I am the best one in a position to help myself. What have your experiences been telling family about your OCD?

"Pure" OCD

Username: sepals

Date posted: 2y ago

how much should i share?

so i need advice because i genuinely am not sure what is the healthiest thing to do. my partner knows i have ocd and knows a little about the specific themes i struggle with. but there’s a lot i haven’t told them because i’m scared to open up about it and/or because i think it’ll negatively impact their own mental health. how much of my ocd should i tell them about? do i carry on keeping most of it to myself, protecting their feelings and mine but bottling up all my problems? or do i lay it all out, helping them understand me better and finally giving myself an outlet but potentially hurting them? or something in between? i would ask a therapist if i had one but that’s not a possibility for me at the moment so if any of you have advice then i would really appreciate it

Username: peaks&valleys

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Telling family about ocd diagnosis

So I was diagnosed with ocd last year at 28. I’m fairly sure that my dad also has ocd and maybe my sister too. I am now more comfortable with the diagnosis and I’d say most of my close friends know about it. I think I’m ready to tell some of my family members. But I’m not entirely sure how to go about this. Because I’m also pretty sure my dad and sister have it, I don’t want to come off like “I have this so you must also have this” but I can see how my dad specifically is hurting (he talks about thoughts, impossible to make a decision, certain things have to be done a certain way or else, etc) and I think therapy could be really helpful. I’ve talked with my mom about my mental health before and she’s been supportive. I think I’ll start with her first. And then maybe later I can bring up my dads mental health to her (maybe not in the same convo). I just don’t know how I could bring up my ocd diagnosis to my dad or sister specifically because I haven’t ever talk about my mental health with them Would love to hear any advice or stories of how you’ve talked to family members about this!

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Talking with family about your OCD Themes

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