just wondering, has anyone talked about their obsessions or compulsions to someone they trust, like a family member or a friend? if so, how did you guys start talking about it with them? because my therapist suggested for me to find someone i trust in talking about my obsessions so that i can work with them to help rationalize my thoughts especially when it gets really intense and when i don’t have my therapist to help me in the moment. like i really do need someone else’s opinion or for them to help me come to my senses into the rationality/logical reasoning, but i don’t exactly know how to approach them or how to really start talking about it with them. & like another part of me is holding back from talking about it to my friends or family because i don’t want to feel like a burden to them...

Username: Thomas74Thomas74

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4y ago

I personally think that the best way to start is simply by telling them that you have OCD. Then invite them to find out a little bit about it on their own. Maybe you can point them to a specific website that outlines the dos and don’ts when talking to someone with OCD. I think when they have a better understanding of what it is, then you can approach them about actually talking about it. My therapist suggested that this would be a group of people, talking each individually, so that no one person becomes overwhelmed.

Username: saaaamsaaaam

Date posted: 4y ago

but if it means for me to get better, then i’m all for going for it and approaching them, i just don’t know how ?

Username: Evelyn4416Evelyn4416

Date posted: 4y ago

I talk to my friend about my experience with OCD and the thoughts I experience. He has been very understanding so whenever I talk with him it does give me a better sense of peace. I talked to my parents about it in the beginning but at that time I didn’t think it was OCD but that I was going crazy? ? now i don’t mention the specifics I’ll just say I still deal with the intrusive thoughts and I think they get the message. I’m like you where I don’t want to feel like a burden to them, or really just scare them, but definitely talk to them if it means improving on your healing journey. Maybe approach the topic slowly and introduce what exactly OCD is and what it consists of, how you deal with it, how treatment and recovery works, etc. Good luck :)

Username: ??????

Date posted: 4y ago

I’ve found a couple friends / partners care and want to know details but most just say ok you have ocd and don’t ask or care to know more... I think you have to just lay it out there that this is a problem, here’s what your obsessions are, and tell your friends/family how youd love them to help (eg tationalize the irrational) don’t expect mind readers - just be super direct. At the same time, I just started erp 2 weeks ago and my therapist told me to focus on not doing compulsions rather than addressing obsessions right now.... are you working w an ocd specialist?

Username: saaaamsaaaam

Date posted: 4y ago

thanks for the suggestion! :) & same! i started seeing my therapist who specializes in ocd about three weeks ago & we’re still identifying my common obsessions and compulsions right now, but before directly going into erp, i was told to work on focusing on my obsessions more before doing compulsions

Username: Fear Strikes...

Date posted: 4y ago

A few of us have mentioned being fearful of sharing some of our darkest OCD thoughts with our therapist. For those that have shared with their therapist, what made you feel OK enough to do that? It could be helpful to the rest of us.

Username: kmorigz

Date posted: 3y ago

Does anyone have any advice for sharing their obsessions with their significant other? I struggle with relationship and sexuality OCD. My boyfriend knows I have OCD, but we have never discussed it in detail. I think he is trying to respect my boundaries and I am terrified he won’t understand my obsessions and/or will take them personally. As a result I feel like I am hiding this horrible secret, and it is causing me so much anxiety. I want to talk to him about it, but I don’t know how to bring it up in a way that won’t hurt him.

Username: Mike

Date posted: 3y ago

Has anyone else had trouble telling people about their OCD? I would like to help break the stigma about mental health and be a part of the change. But it is such an exhausting thing to even think about. Not only would it be difficult to tell people (even people I trust), but it would be even more difficult to have to explain to people what OCD really is (not just the stereotypes they have seen on TV). On top of that I keep thinking how do I even begin to explain the subtypes that I have experienced? I suppose I don't have to, but it helps to give some real depth for them to sink their teeth into; to really understand the difference between OCPD and OCD. I keep thinking if I can get through ERP (which I have recently done), then I can certainly share my disorder with others (well I cant be 100% certain...see what I did there?). I know I don't have to tell others about my OCD and I respect people who want to keep it private. I have for years. I just think that I would like to be confident, own it, and help others who are still figuring out about their own mental health struggles. I know many of my family and friends will be surprised to hear that I have OCD. So if you have any suggestions or anecdotes you would be willing to share that would be great. Thanks!

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