How to cope with feelings of isolation caused by OCD

When someone is consumed with obsessions and compulsions, it can leave them exhausted and drained. It might be difficult to maintain important relationships, engage in social activities, or perform their job duties. But, since they are constantly dealing with fears and anxiety, they might find that further isolating themselves to avoid triggers seems like the safer bet. While it can lead to temporary relief, this avoidance only worsens symptoms long-term, and will often heighten one’s sense of loneliness. Fears of being misunderstood due to stigma can also make it hard for some to reach out to family and friends, keeping them further isolated. That’s why it’s vital to remember that you are not alone. Finding a community of others with shared experiences and connecting with a specialist who deeply understands OCD are some ways you can bring a sense of belonging and hope back into your life. NOCD Therapist Stacy Quick, LPC, shares more about how OCD can heighten feelings of isolation, and ways to bring back a sense of hope.

Anonymous

Date posted: 1y

I tried confiding in people about my anxieties and found that people didn't seem to understand my obsession like they do other obsessions, and at those times I end up feeling more alone than maybe if I hadn't talked about it. My obsession doesn't seem to be one many people have, and when people do have it they don't seem to have as hard of a time with it as I have.

aliengurl

Date posted: 1y

We all know OCD doesn't make sense regardless of the "obsession". It's hard to open up to people about it, only our therapists really understand.

GermanCowboy

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y

@Anonymous I opened up to someone about my OCD, someone who I thought was my friend. Their reply “but doesn’t OCD make you like successful at work and stuff? Because, you’re so organized and hardworking.” That was my cue to distance myself from this person. They clearly didn’t understand what OCD really is.

Anonymous

Date posted: 1y

@NevadaCowboy Some people don't know about OCD. It is our job to educate people on it. When somebody says something like that, just tell them the truth about OCD. It's not their fault they weren't told the truth. I might have said the same thing as that person said before I learned I had it and what OCD really is. But there are some people out there that really are rude towards people with OCD and don't care to learn or to be kind. Is there more to the story, and/or did they say it in a way to try to be mean?

GermanCowboy

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y

@Anonymous It was a red flag for me to distance myself. Because they go on to say that I’m just a math machine (me being a math PhD) and all I’m good for is giving them answers to their homework questions. They never came to my PhD graduation nor did they ever bother to check on me. Because again, all I’m good for is just cranking out math formulas and theorems. They said that it was because of my OCD that I was good at math. I’m sorry, but I don’t take that gaslighting bullshit from anyone.

Anonymous

Date posted: 1y

@NevadaCowboy I wouldn't either. That wasn't nice of them. That's really inconsiderate of them, I'm sorry about that. I can't even tell my dad, he's inconsiderate as well

GermanCowboy

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y

@Anonymous Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I think too that there’s a difference between being ignorant and being mean about it. My grandma once protested that I shouldn’t get OCD treatment because having an OCD diagnosis could go into my criminal record. That I’d be labeled as crazy. That was I think just ignorance and just not knowing about mental health problems. But after she realized that I did have mental health issues, she was open to learn more about it.

Anonymous

Date posted: 1y

@NevadaCowboy I'm sorry, that doesn't sound like it would have been very supportive to hear! I wouldn't have taken that very well. :( But, it is good that she was open to learning about OCD, and I hope she changed her perspective. And it's common to fear the unknown, and since she didn't know much about mental health issue treatment, it is understandable -- although simply not true

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