My partner says I’m becoming obsessed with OCD

My partner told me yesterday that she’s scared I’m becoming obsessed with OCD after I got some library books about OCD. They’re a couple of biographies that I wanted to read to understand how others experience OCD. I do talk to her about my sessions because I want her to know I’m trying to make progress but it feels like I’m overwhelming her. Lately it just feels like she’s not on board? When I was telling her about a situation with my coworkers, she said “Well not everyone has your brain.” This is more of a rant than anything. I’m working on not letting the ROCD take over. Has anyone else experienced something like this with a loved one?

Relationship OCD

j vv

Date posted: 6w

Hi saffvel! 👋 I totally had this happen when I initially began therapy. There was quite an adjustment period as I tried to grasp how I had lived without knowing I had OCD so long…all while trying to gobble up as much OCD info to begin making progress. This meant I was on a very OCD-centric journey for a month or two as I got my bearings. My partner and I had several conversations about what *is* supportive, and how much is too much talking about OCD 😂. It is part of the process. ROCD makes it very difficult to navigate when a partner seems less than enthusiastic or less supportive than we expect. What helped me was understanding that my partner had already been dealing with a lot of exhausting symptoms BEFORE my diagnosis. Outside of what *isnt* supportive, there wasn’t much my partner really needed to know—the work was up to me. I could inform them about whether I was more/less symptomatic, but there was no need for a play-by-play or in depth check-ins on my progress. My goal was to become self-sufficient, and trusting in myself and leaning on my therapist for support has worked well for me to achieve that. You’re not alone in this—it is a confusing time and OCD really wants to run rampant and get certainty. Don’t let it strangle your relationship—take things slow and enjoy the journey! 💜

saffvel

Date posted: 6w

@j vv This was really helpful. I haven’t thought about what she was dealing with before the diagnosis. I’m working on letting my thoughts out in my journal and not to her. Thank you for your story

j vv

Date posted: 6w

@saffvel No problem! There’s definitely an adjustment period, but it can get better…it’s very much like riding a bike—with hard work in therapy, living with and managing OCD can become almost second nature and it gets much more fun. Remember, OCD is a small part of you, not all of you or your entire life. There’s a lot more to enjoy and spend time on💜 stay patient! Good luck!!

Whitewaterboi

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 6w

You could ask your therapist if they can do a session with both you and your partner. They can help your partner understand your treatment and what they can do to be supportive. My partner was pretty skeptical of of my treatment and erp at first.

the_schwanster

Date posted: 6w

My partner and I were at a similar tipping point early in my ERP journey. I think the distinction my therapist helped me make was whether or not thinking about my treatment resulted in any safety behaviors/compulsions. There is a direct link between an obsessive thought->feared outcome->safety behavior. As humans, we crave learning, are curious, have interests and hobbies, etc. just because we spend dedicated time on something does not make it obsessive. It’s a hard distinction when your brain is on overdrive, but I know you’ll get there. I found your post and @j vv’s really very helpful in my own journey.

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