How do I ask my partner for help?

Aw Petra! I can relate so much. I been in an OCD spiral for the last 2 yrs. When I first told my bf about it he had no clue and it made me feel shame because he didn’t understand it. I’ve learned so much ab ocd this past year so I was able piece together words that would make him understand. The best way I explained it was having a fear and constantly throwing what ifs at that. keeping it vague and simple is the best way possible. I like to tell my bf it’s overthinking on crack!! lol I hope this helps. Remember that it’s okay if he doesn’t understand it fully, as long as he’s supporting you! 🫂

So my wife is very literal with certain things, so she's told me a few times that she can't quite comprehend in her brain how i could walk around being scared of 'maybe' having done something. To her, if she did something, she did it. If she didn't, then she didn't. And it's super simple. But as ive learned, ive been able to slowly share my mental experiences. I don't think our loved ones will ever fully get it. But we can little by little slowly learn to explain our experiences in a way that they can grasp and empathize with. Also, with the 'explain to the fullest potential', i personally dont think we need to. Im trying to learn that sometimes i will explain some stuff, but my brain will tell me "well, if i just explain every single miniscule detail, then they will understand! They will 'get' it." But honestly (for me personally) that's an aspect of OCD too. I've literally gotten into arguments with my wife because ive explained my perspective on something. She's fully understood, but the 'itch' in my brain isnt satisfied, so i have to explain it again and again until she "gets" it. She got it a long time ago. It's something that i need to just say "okay. I said what i needed to say. Im going to stop now." Best of luck to you!

I always tell my boyfriend when I'm struggling, but I felt he didn't fully get it. At one point I completely broke down and told him exactly what my days looked like with all the thoughts and spirals, how convincing the thoughts are, and my exhaustion at the end of the day after having to pretend I'm fine. We both cried and he finally understood exactly what I was going through. I'm lucky that I have such an understanding partner, as someone else might have taken it more personal. This was obviously a very emotional conversation and not really a good way of handling it, but if I were you I would keep it more simple but still highlight things that trigger you and how that happens. He won't understand what your brain goes through (I'm sure you struggle with that yourself too), but he will understand your overall experience better 🤍

He’ll understand eventually don’t rush it

😀

I know he’ll understand

You will get through

Keep up the great work