I’d love to know your experiences of telling friends and family that you have OCD? Who’s decided to open up about it and who is still hesitant to? No one knows I have OCD and I have no idea whether I should tell people close to me!
I’ve only told my girlfriend but I don’t get into specifics. For people that don’t have knowledge of OCD and just think it means that you’re a perfectionist and have to make sure you’re apartment is clean it can be pretty daunting to open up to them especially if you suffer with very taboo themes like POCD, HOCD, etc. I think it can only help if you have someone who’s open minded enough to understand that you are not you’re thoughts but sadly most people won’t and it can be a disaster for the person who’s suffering with OCD
@lakersfanbrooklyn Thanks for your message! Did you find it difficult explaining to your girlfriend without getting into the specifics, and out of interest, did she want to know what your themes were? It’s such a shame OCD is so misunderstood because I feel like it makes it harder to explain how debilitating it is.
@Im6536 she knows that I struggled with HOCD in highschool and now I struggle with POCD. But she doesn’t know about the POCD and I refuse to tell her lol. I think it might be ok to tell people you have really disturbing sexual intrusive thoughts that u hate and don’t believe in and can’t control but telling people exactly what they’re about is too scary for me at this moment
So i have only really told my husband. I tried telling my dad and a close friend but they dont understand. The way OCD is perceived in the media clouds how a lot of people see it. While i wouldnt discourage from sharing to those close to you dont expect a lot to come from it
@DarkCloud190 Thanks for sharing your experience. This is what I fear in telling people - that it just won’t be properly understood because of how most people perceive OCD. I think you’re right in saying to not expect a lot to come from sharing, I think if I tell anyone I’ll have to choose who I tell wisely
@DarkCloud190 And I’m sorry to hear that your friend and dad don’t understand! It must be very frustrating.
@Im6536 They were nice about and it wasnt a bad experience per say. I think i was just expecting a lot more for the conversation and a lot more questions and dialog. And it was more like oh that is cool. So i think telling can be a weight off your shoulders. Just limiting your expectations will keep you from being too disappointed
I have told my mother and she has been immensely helpful in not only helping me reach out for professional help and also listening and being non judgmental to me when I do feel brave enough to share my themes. I recently told my partner because I’m having a bad episode whereas previously I was able to manage it somewhat. I haven’t gone into depth of any of my themes with him but he is very understanding
@Nisha09 So glad your Mum has been so helpful in your recovery and that your partner has been understanding. How did you find telling your partner? I’m single so I don’t feel I have that person I can naturally confide in, which made me think I should tell one of my best friends who I think would understand, but it’s a tough one!
Hey guys! I wanna know, does anybody here has told someone close about their ocd? Because i just told my mom and even though she handled it very well i don’t know how i feel.
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!
I don’t think I will for a while because I just started dating someone but how do you tell your partner about your ocd? And how did they react?
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