Social Implications of OCD

Hello, First, allow me to say that I am sorry for what you are going through. OCD is challenging enough without being misunderstood by the people in your life. Second, I think you should make a distinction between family and friends who truly mean a lot to you, and other people who you might like, but whose relationships you do not view as essential as the first group. Presumably, the first group loves and cares about you and will not judge you. Therefore, I think there is value in being transparent with them and explaining your diagnosis and the work you are doing to overcome it. They will likely be understanding and may even grow in their respect for you as they see how committed you are to conquering this. With regards to everyone else, while it is frustrating to be misunderstood, it is important to realize that their opinion is not important. Most of them are ignorant of OCD and do not know the uphill battle in overcoming it. Realize that the people who really love and cherish you will not cast you aside and you can use their support, as well as the support of your therapist (if you are in therapy) and the OCD community as a source of strength to confront the broader world which is all too often, uninformed and unfeeling.

I have experienced this, and I have continued sharing my experiences even though it was uncomfortable, and I just show people who I truly am, and how I live by my morals and values in life. Sometimes I feel like it will be seen as an excuse if I mention something I am struggling with is because of my OCD, but I try to remember that that is not necessarily reassurance seeking, but the truth. It is what I do to combat my OCD struggles that define whether I am using it as an excuse or not. If I am working towards improving my quality of life in that area, then I remind myself it is not merely an excuse. It just takes time, be kind to yourself and remember you are not your OCD❤️❤️

I've felt misunderstood so many times with my OCD. Not just socially, but with mental health professionals too. So many people don't understand OCD. I once told a friend some fears I was having about existential OCD and they said "sounds like schizophrenia, you are crazy". And then I spent months terrified I had schizophrenia (which I know now is another OCD theme). Once I opened up to a friend about harm OCD thoughts and got told I sounded dangerous. It was very upsetting. There are some close friends now I am open with and they have been open to learning more about OCD and understanding that ocd thoughts and fears are NOT reflective of our desires. There are some people and friends I don't share the details with about OCD and that's okay, I don't need to. Ultimately I know I can be candid with my therapist, and my husband who is wonderful and understanding. And I can be open with other people in the OCD community, cause I know you get it too!

Yeah I can relate to you both, glad I’m not the only one. Feels like a tough spot to target with ERP. I can habituate to the theme all I want but doesn’t change the fact that I’m feeling some real world consequences regardless of how I respond internally - oh well. Gotta keep on going

Hi there, would you consider seeing an OCD specialist? There is great info on this community board, but with treatment and appropriate participation on you end, you are highly likely to manage the compulsions attached to the obsessive thoughts. Maybe this video abut taboo themes will be helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cC7KHpVmtQ&t=38s LMK what you think. Feel free to reach out to treatmyocd.com!