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: Mike

Date posted: 3y ago

Has anyone else had trouble telling people about their OCD? I would like to help break the stigma about mental health and be a part of the change. But it is such an exhausting thing to even think about. Not only would it be difficult to tell people (even people I trust), but it would be even more difficult to have to explain to people what OCD really is (not just the stereotypes they have seen on TV). On top of that I keep thinking how do I even begin to explain the subtypes that I have experienced? I suppose I don't have to, but it helps to give some real depth for them to sink their teeth into; to really understand the difference between OCPD and OCD. I keep thinking if I can get through ERP (which I have recently done), then I can certainly share my disorder with others (well I cant be 100% certain...see what I did there?). I know I don't have to tell others about my OCD and I respect people who want to keep it private. I have for years. I just think that I would like to be confident, own it, and help others who are still figuring out about their own mental health struggles. I know many of my family and friends will be surprised to hear that I have OCD. So if you have any suggestions or anecdotes you would be willing to share that would be great. Thanks!

Username: NOCD

User type: Staff

Date posted: 1y ago

Do I have to share with my significant other what my thoughts are?

You may be thinking that you should or shouldn't tell your significant other the specifics of what your OCD thoughts are. With this, there is no right answer and the choice on whether to share or not remains with you and you alone. Personally, I did not feel the need to share my thoughts with my significant other and how some of them involved them. Another person may decide that they would like to share those details with their significant other. Whatever you decide to do is okay as long as your partner is supportive and understanding on this journey. Have you shared details about your intrusive thoughts with your partner?

Username: dannygent

Date posted: 33w ago

Disclosure of thoughts

I'm wondering if it's better or worse to tell your partner about your ocd thoughts, if you can be specific or if it's better to keep it vague bc it's so distressing to hear the specifics to people who are close or if they're like.. rocd threads. Mostly in the context of when they're strong or compulsions are strong.

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