Comments that hurt—and what to say instead

We’ve all heard the thoughtless comments: "Everyone's a little OCD," or "I wish I had OCD...you must be so organized." These words can really sting, even if the person saying them didn’t mean any harm. Most of the time, these hurtful statements stem from misunderstandings. Because OCD is widely misrepresented in our culture, many people still don’t know how serious this condition really is—which is why OCD Awareness Month is so important. You deserve to feel understood, and it’s valid to be frustrated by comments that trivialize your experiences. While you're never obligated to educate others about OCD, it can feel empowering to help friends and family better understand the condition you live with. We’ve created a guide you can use to start the conversation. Read more about what not to say to someone with OCD, why these phrases can be harmful, and what to say instead.