Sharing OCD Diagnosis as an Adult

Hi! I just recently was diagnosed at age 28, but realize now that the “anxiety” I’ve been dealing with since early childhood has always been OCD / OCD related. I am struggling with how to share this diagnosis with my parents. I don’t need anything from them, but am close enough with them that I do want to share. My first fear is that they won’t believe me. I am nearly certain that they’ll comment on the fact that I’m not “clean” enough to be OCD. I have certain themes I don’t want to share with them, but they know I’m a “hypochondriac” and I think I’ll lean into explaining how that’s actually part of my OCD. I’m also fearful that they will deal with heavy guilt and shame for not realizing or getting me tested as a kid. This was definitely a miss, but they are overall wonderful parents. Does anyone have any tips for sharing an adult OCD diagnosis with parents/family?

Username: Hippie Chick ✌️

Date posted: 101d ago

As a parent of an adult daughter with OCD, they probably already sense that you have OCD tendencies, and it won’t be a surprise. Parents tend to know more about their children (even as adults) than we know about ourselves. My mom knows when I am sick just because I haven’t called her. She will call me and say, “what’s wrong, you are too quiet?” So I have a feeling it won’t be a surprise.

Username: justgottaknow

Date posted: 101d ago

@Hippie Chick ✌️ I think you’re underestimating my ability to mask and my parents lack of understanding of things like this 😂 They may know something is off, but this will definitely surprise them. They have questioned my ADHD diagnosis (2 years ago) which is what is making me expect the reaction I expect. Thanks for the support though!

Username: Hippie Chick ✌️

Date posted: 101d ago

@justgottaknow I get it, that makes sense

Username: Hippie Chick ✌️

Date posted: 101d ago

@Hippie Chick ✌️ Good luck! ❤️

Username: Rcope09

Date posted: 101d ago

I was diagnosed this past summer at the age of 37. I look back on my life and I’ve had symptoms since I was 12. My dad is actually a family practitioner doctor and we still missed it. I told them as soon as I was diagnosed. My mom immediately said “I’ve never seen you wash your hands multiple times”. I have slowly educated them on OCD, symptoms and subtypes. My relationship with my parents is better than it has ever been. They’re not only educated now, but have a new level of compassion for what I’m going through. Don’t be fearful. I was worried too!!

Username: justgottaknow

Date posted: 101d ago

@Rcope09 Thank you so much!!

Username: Rcope09

Date posted: 101d ago

@justgottaknow You’re very welcome!!