Stigma for black ocd

I’m treated like a cautionary tale. My father is on everyone’s back at home so that they don’t end up like me, always tells me that black people don’t do this “nonsense” like going to exposure therapy, and when I told him my feelings today, he did three things: - apologized - right after that, talked about how he’s in the right - when I misunderstood something he said, he told me that if I want to be all touchy geeky, then whatever, because I’m lucky to even get an apology since Nigerian parents don’t do that. It’s frustrating. So, so frustrating. And I have NO ONE to talk to about it. No one besides my exposure therapist, and whenever I talk to her, my dad and mom tell me to stop, because it’s none of her business. No one else has ocd. It’s so isolating, I have no community, and I’m TIRED OF IT.

Anonymous

Date posted: 3y

You have your OCD community. So sorry you're parents don't seem to understand.

ocdanme

Date posted: 3y

Just want to say that you are amazing. Do not give up. You are working toward good things! I pray that your father will see the good in therapy one day. If not, at least you can sleep in peace at night knowing you are taking care of yourself and your future. Proud of you!

contaminatio...

Date posted: 3y

Thanks :)

contaminatio...

Date posted: 3y

Well not really, She’ll ask about my day, and I’ll say how my dad makes me feel about my ocd and stuff and then when she does a Zoom check-in my dad will wonder why she knows what he says to me It’s complicated to explain over text

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

@contamination-nation Why is your dad present?

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

How are they finding out that you’re telling your therapist?

contaminatio...

Date posted: 3y

My therapist will check in about things to make sure I’m doing well and my dad will be confused as to why I talk about the things she’s checking in on

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

@contamination-nation As in she might call to check in about school and then you start talking about school to your dad?

contaminatio...

Date posted: 3y

My dad is present for zoom check ins because he needs to know my progress and stuff

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

@contamination-nation Ahh… have you told your therapist that your dad is trying to stop you discussing what’s going on? Your therapist might be able to adapt the sessions or have a session with your parents alone to discuss the issue with this further.

contaminatio...

Date posted: 3y

No because my dad told me to keep it between us and I know he’s just going to find out anyways. My main problem is his skewed view on my ocd & mental health and the fact that he doesn’t believe he owes my an apology just cuz we’re Nigerians even though what he did was wrong

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

@contamination-nation I’ve deleted my comments but again I’d still advise that you tell your therapist and ask if she could speak to your dad about your mental health. If nothing works then she should hopefully start helping you find ways to deal with your dad like choosing when to address things/walk away.

thrutheweather

Date posted: 3y

@contamination-nation I hope things get better for you.

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