My husband has been really struggling with his disease focused OCD. He constantly asks me to remind him that he’s ok. He has taken more blood tests to ensure he’s ok and donated blood so they check it as well. He wants me to tell him that his blood tests are all negative. What is my response??? I only know how to confirm over and over that he is OK. My friend says that is not what I am supposed to say. Any ideas?

Thanks so much. We are in Michigan. I am thinking Rogers clinic in IL or WI. Those are the best options for him.

@Being Strong Sounds good!! Hope he recovers 100%! Best of luck!! :) :)

We can’t get him in until August 25😬

Thank you so much. What DO I say?? He insists he needs me to respond. What do I actually? And am I stern or gentle? I appreciate any help you can offer until we see the specialist.

@Being Strong You tell him he’s seeking reassurance and that’s not good in the long term for OCD. Therefore, you’re not going to answer him. He needs to see an OCD specialist.

@Nica Ugggh. Not until the 25th.

@Being Strong At least he has something planned though! I suggest getting a few OCD books for him to read so he has an introduction.

HIV or any STD. He fears that he may have touched something that may or may not have blood on it. His Dr tells him he can’t get it that way, but it’s like he wants to believe it. Please don’t judge me for saying it that way. I am new to this. We’ve been married 25 years and it has only gotten this bad in the last 2 months.

@Anonymous Don’t worry about saying it, lots of us have our struggles with OCD and we’re not here to judge. Unfortunately OCD is not a fun disease for those with it or those with loved ones struggling with. I hope he gets lots of help with this and you stay strong!

@Being Strong Yeah, there is no "benefit of the doubt" when it comes to ocd. It will only focus on the worst outcome, even if it's highly unlikely. I recognize a lot of what you are saying. I would also be thinking that I had touched something contaminated with blood, and had a cut in my finger etc. If got a sore throat I would see it as a symptom, and convince myself I had hiv. It was my entire life for many years. It's important to get help asap and not continue down the rabbit hole. It's a powerful disorder. But it's also possible to get SO much better in a relatively short time. There's light at the end of the tunell, for sure!! I completely understand that you feel exhausted from this! It's hard for the ocd sufferer, but also loved ones. Some places they have 4 day treatment programs, kind of like an ocd treatment "bootcamp". See what's available where you are. Wish you all the best!! It will work out!! ❤️👍🏻

@washie Thank you for these words. I would love this “boot camp” for him. Any idea at all on how to find one? I would take him wherever they have one.