Telling family about ocd diagnosis

So I was diagnosed with ocd last year at 28. I’m fairly sure that my dad also has ocd and maybe my sister too. I am now more comfortable with the diagnosis and I’d say most of my close friends know about it. I think I’m ready to tell some of my family members. But I’m not entirely sure how to go about this. Because I’m also pretty sure my dad and sister have it, I don’t want to come off like “I have this so you must also have this” but I can see how my dad specifically is hurting (he talks about thoughts, impossible to make a decision, certain things have to be done a certain way or else, etc) and I think therapy could be really helpful. I’ve talked with my mom about my mental health before and she’s been supportive. I think I’ll start with her first. And then maybe later I can bring up my dads mental health to her (maybe not in the same convo). I just don’t know how I could bring up my ocd diagnosis to my dad or sister specifically because I haven’t ever talk about my mental health with them Would love to hear any advice or stories of how you’ve talked to family members about this!

Mid-life adults with OCD

Username: malsaipemalsaipe

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

It took me a year or two to actually talk to my mom about my intrusive thoughts and feelings. It was very difficult and I slowly started to introduce my thoughts to my dad. Once I was officially diagnosed, my mom and I talked about it a lot and I did my best to explain how I’m impacted by OCD. The current struggle with my dad is getting him to understand what OCD actually is and how severe it can be. I also believe he has OCD be we don’t really discuss it. My main point is that it was easier for me to tell him my diagnosis but I still struggle to get him to understand how I feel. If you can connect your OCD or intrusive thoughts to something you talk about in your daily life or in conversation with your dad or sister that may be a good way to introduce it. I wish you luck and it may not be easy, but keep trying!

Username: peaks&valleys peaks&valleys

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 51w ago

@malsaipe Thank you for sharing. This is really helpful perspective

Username: HobbitHobbit

Date posted: 1y ago

My family knows I have OCD. I don’t know if they really understand wha that means. I really struggle with the fact that my mom, my sister, and dad have undiagnosed and untreated OCD / anxiety. I find myself getting frustrated because being around them can be incredibly stressful and they have no idea — and I often fall into the trap of trying to educate and help them with their OCD (party because I have hyper-responsibility OCD, ROCD, and I’m a perfectionist). My advice would be take it slow, be patient with yourself and them, — and your therapist can be a great resource for helping you figure out what to say and get clarity on your goal in sharing about your OCD. Hope that helps. Know that you are absolutely not alone in trying to figure out how to talk with family. It’s tough and I’m cheering you on ❤️🙂

Username: peaks&valleys peaks&valleys

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 51w ago

@Hobbit Thank you for this! It is a struggle when you see loved ones suffer. I’m in that same boat too. My hyper responsibility has been guilting me for not saying anything but taking it slow is a good idea. I don’t want to rush into sharing anything. Thanks. Cheering you on too!

Username: HobbitHobbit

Date posted: 51w ago

@Anonymous - It is such a struggle. It's helpful to know I'm not alone ❤️❤️❤️

Username: AnonymousAnonymous

Date posted: 49w ago

Share with who you feel comfortable sharing with when you want to. You don’t have to go on anyone’s plan. My hurdle is remembering that I can’t control my family’s mental health challenges or if they are or aren’t going to address them. That said, a coworker shared that she was starting treatment for OCD and it made me a lot more comfortable checking treatment out too!

Username: Miranda Ceja

Date posted: 5y ago

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.

Username: allgood

Date posted: 5y ago

how do I tell my family I have ocd?? . I'm 20, I see them pretty much everyday and it puts a strain on my relationships with them because they have no clue what's going on with me. My mom (amazing mom but... ) can come across cold it's just her personality, she's had a hard life from many external factors and so she doesn't really understand mental illness and how someone can be 'unhappy' when they have a comfortable life. I come from a family of very very strong women and if I told them I feel like they'd just think it was an excuse/attention seeking. They're supportive people but not very understanding in mental health. I already feel very different to my family just based on my personality/values/view of life - this could potentially make me even more of a distance from them no??? how do I even tell someone I have ocd do I just say it???? pls and insight any1 can give soooooooo appreciated thank you

Username: TheBigCahuna

Date posted: 4y ago

I would love to hear more experiences from people about telling family about their OCD and associated symptoms. I don’t tell them because they would only worry, and I know I am the best one in a position to help myself. What have your experiences been telling family about your OCD?

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