- Date posted
- 26w ago
do you guys tell your partner you have ocd?
if so, at what point? and how much do you explain? are there sources you like to use that might explain to them what it actually is?
if so, at what point? and how much do you explain? are there sources you like to use that might explain to them what it actually is?
I told my current partner, that I suffer from OCD and depression, before we got together. My long-term partner before him complained about not knowing, that I always suffer from OCD, even when there are no triggers around. So I wanted to be upfront this time. That being said, I told him about some themes, but not about the sexual ones. He knows, that children and animals trigger me, but not why. I have made some bad experiences regarding telling people, that I suffer from POCD, so I only talk about it with therapist specialized in OCD and other OCD sufferers.
@Zoë_84 thats definitely a concern, im not sure i could explain POCD or ZOCD in a way that could make anyone without the disorder understand. my ex seemed to try understanding but this new relationship is so much healthier i dont want to mess things up.
@shafo It's the same for me, I'm not sure, but a bit after I told my ex that I suffer from POCD our relationship started to slowly go down hill. He told me it has nothing to do with me suffering from POCD, but as he hadn't been honest about quite a few things, I never believed him. I know, that my current partner wants to know more, but I told him before we got together, that there are parts of my OCD, I'll not talk to him about. So I stand by it.
I guess it depends on how serious the relationship is. If it's something you see long term is probably worth sharing a good bit. I wasn't diagnosed until 5 years into my marriage. Not knowing what the heck was going on for those years was SO hard on my marriage. Now things are well, but dang it was rough. My husband now knows so much, and is truly the reason I'm better in many ways.
@Anonymous weve been dating for a month but i really do see us being long term. i just get worried theres no good time to tell them, or that telling them might seem like a bid for attention. like, i know they have depression and anxiety and stuff but its not like they go out of their way to confess their specific diagnoses, it feels unnatural but i suppose thats the overthinking haha
Yes, once you feel you can trust this person and feel comfortable disclosing it, revealing your OCD can be helpful and cathartic. If you decide to do it, go on YouTube and check out the NOCD videos designed to explain to loved ones what you're going through. Share one with your partner and then explain your OCD journey. I know it was cathartic and a big relief to disclose it to my wife. Hope this helps.
Last night I had a fucked up intrusive thought/urge about harming my partner and I'm spinning out today. I let them know I had an intrusive thought and was struggling with compulsions around it and future repercussions, but did not tell them exactly what the thought/urge was, which they accepted. Do y'all share details with your partners about harm ocd? How can we healthily ask for support from people we are having horrible thoughts about?
Hi everyone, I’m Cayla. I’m a mom that’s lived with OCD since childhood, but my breaking point came more recently after having my son. I was consumed by terrifying thoughts—What if I hurt him? What if I did something awful without realizing it? I was so afraid of my own mind that I couldn’t be alone with him. The shame and exhaustion were unbearable, and I convinced myself I was broken. In 2024, I finally sought help. ERP therapy at NOCD was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it saved my life. Even now, I have tough days, but I know I don’t have to be ruled by OCD. When my 12 year old daughter began showing signs of OCD, I felt overwhelmed with guilt. I never wanted her to go through what I had, but I knew what to do. I told her that I have OCD too and made sure she knew it wasn’t her fault—and that she wasn’t alone. One of the hardest parts of this journey was trusting someone else with my daughter’s OCD. I knew how vulnerable it feels to share intrusive thoughts, and I wanted her to feel safe. Her NOCD therapist was able to establish trust and genuine empathy from the start, and that relationship gave her the confidence to face ERP head-on. Seeing her build that trust made me certain she was in the right hands. ERP has helped both of us reclaim our lives, and it is beautiful to see my daughter managing her condition and making visible progress. Parenting with OCD while raising a child with OCD isn’t talked about enough, but I know so many parents are struggling with these same challenges. If you have questions about managing OCD while parenting, helping your child through ERP, or breaking cycles of guilt, drop them below—I’d love to share what I’ve learned. I’ll be answering all of the questions I receive in real-time today 4-5pm ET.
Hello i got this app hoping to maybe find some support for my partner i thought about reddit but reddit has become a hateful place and i figured this is a safe place. i love my partner more than anything and he’s been struggling with OCD his whole life he has a hard time talking about it with anyone because it’s too painful he’s stated that it’s gotten worse as he’s gotten older His biggest issue right now is overwhelming thoughts of his actions having tragic outcomes and being unable to stop these obsessive thoughts (such as needing to check out door handle 5 times to make sure it’s locked but still panicking that it’s unlocked) he’s not open to one on one therapy or meds although he loves learning and watching informative videos i fear he’s afraid to confront his OCD or just afraid nothing will help i really wanna help him live a stress free and happy life he deserves it would anyone possibly have any ways to naturally help with OCD or recommend any great individuals that could share techniques on managing OCD or helping your partner with OCD? i would very much appreciate it!
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