It’s interesting and frustrating how OCD tries so hard to keep a hold on your mental process once you are going through recovery. For example, I told a guy on Instagram that he looked handsome and I immediately was overcome with guilt. My brain was telling me that I had cheated on my boyfriend, that I had ruined our relationship, and that id never feel right again when my boyfriend was showing me affection/love. He knows about my struggles with POCD and I have started letting him know when I get overwhelmed with it. So this morning after beating myself up and nearly breaking down in tears to him, I told him that I had told a guy on Instagram that he is handsome and that my brain told me that was cheating on him, etc. He was not angry at all, gave me a “seriously? Come on!” and assured me that he was not angry in the slightest and I had nothing to worry about. OCD will try it’s hardest to maintain its hold on your mental process. Recognizing this is half the battle when going through recovery.

Soemthing I learned about being in a relationship is when you open up to them about your OVD even if you don’t go in depth, it sets the stage for honesty when things you do/think/feel are being skewed and altered by OCD. It makes it easier to be like “THIS is because of my OCD I’m sorry but I cant help it” being honest about when I’m struggling has given my S/O the tools he needs to help. Or give me my space whichever is needed at the moment. And he has never gotten upset with me cancelling plans or being more reserved during our times together

@raee I completely agree. I suffered silently with it for such a long time, and when I finally opened up to him about it, he was attentive and listened to me when I attempted to explain the typical OCD thought process. Trying to explain POCD was extremely difficult, I paralleled it to Harm OCD as I think that its a bit less shocking to someone who doesn’t know a lot about our disorder. Now, whenever I am feeling overwhelmed I usually let him know “my brain is fucking with me” and he helps calm me down, asks me if I’d like to discuss it, and gives me a hug. Opening up about OCD is such an important step to getting better.

Are you interested in articles about how loved ones can help in recovery?