I wanna know if anyone can relate. My family doesn't think my depression or OCD is real. They haven't said it in that many words but they've said along the lines of 'you just need to shake yourself and you'll be fine'. BUT I have my boyfriend who listens, who seems to care and I am very happy I have him but I just feel like I'm a tremendous burden on him. I don't have many friends and any friends I do have are always busy, are work friends who don't care or are only friends with me because of my boyfriend. I feel weak and lonely. I need to know what to do.

My mom thinks the same way and in fact blames me : " you don't want to get out of this". My dad's supportive but telling him is hard because it leaks to my mom. I'm lonely too. I'm going to try to improve things but I think I really do need to work on your myself.

I think a therapist could be a great help to you. Also an in person support group in your area. You might be able to make some friends that understand exactly what you’re going through. Aside from those, how about joining some clubs or getting involved in a local activity? It’s great you have your bf, but it is important to build a support network that’s bigger than one person. Some books about OCD and workbooks on CBT could also be great if therapy isn’t an option right now. I’m so sorry you’re feeling alone. OCD can be very isolating, but just know: everyone here is feeling that too (to one degree or another.)

Look closely at your family members, it’s possible your OCD was caused by them or they trigger it at the least. True friends are extremely hard to find don’t let that bother you. Fair weather friends are everywhere but a true friend is an almost impossible find. My family was the same way until I got bad then I went to a therapist and read a self help book and my eyes became wide open to the psychotic house I grew up in. Once you figure out what’s causing your OCD and depression you will get your power back. There’s nothing wrong with you, this is a coping mechanism you have created to deal with the people in your life that are hurting you. They don’t even know their doing it. Good luck and do not doubt yourself, you are not the problem.

My family is the same way. I am a social work student and my mom thinks that I’ve just been self diagnosing because of my major. She said “well you’ve never had any of this before so idk why you think you have it now” My boyfriend is also supportive; however, it’s hard for some people to understand while not going through it every single day. I just joined this app today and I’ve found it very helpful. It is good to know that I’m not alone and support is out there. Feel free to reach out whenever :) good luck!