So I realized I had OCD last month and started treatment right away. I have some of my close friends. All have a proven track record of being trustworthy. I've told some people more than others. However, I haven't told any of my family members. Last night, my mom stopped by and we chatted for like 2 hours. I ended up telling her about my OCD and a little about my journey with ERP. I know her intentions are good. I know she loves me and wants the best for me. But she just doesn't get when it comes to mental health. I told her how this whole thing started after I listened to a podcast about OCD while I was working. Instead of saying something like "Wow. That's amazing that you heard that." She was like "You really shouldn't listening to something like that when you are working. I'm still working from home and most of the time, my job doesn't require any direct customer interaction. I sometimes make a few calls. Also, when I listened to that podcast, I had no idea it would hot me as hard as it did. OCD wasn't even on my radar. She also made the comment "I think everyone is a little OCD." My first thought was "No, they aren't." So the whole thing left me a bit frustrated. So I think I might give her a book to read. Part of me is glad I told her, and part of me really regrets it. I also told her some of my timer intrusive thoughts. Anyone else relate?

A friend of mine who also struggles with mental health told me this "First rule of mental health. Learn to differentiate between who deserves an explanation, who deserves one answer and who deserves absolutely nothing"

I too found out I had OCD somewhat randomly. I was actually taking the Winnie the Pooh test and got the rabbit which stood for OCD. After that I went researching and then got diagnosed shortly after. It feels good finally having a name for it and finding help! So proud of you for getting the help that you need !! My father is the same was as your mother. He’s never had any mental illness before so he just can’t relate and sometimes it’s really hard for them to empathize with us. I think giving her a book to help educate is a great idea ! Not everyone knows what OCD really is like. A lot of people are only exposed to it by what they see on television which sometimes isn’t the best depiction of what OCD is truly like. Nevertheless you going to your mother and telling her about it was still such a huge deal ! I’m happy you told her and it might take a while for her to learn and understand but it’s better than keeping it bottles up inside especially if she’s someone you really wanted support from !

I haven’t really told anyone. My mom was the one who told me I have OCD. I never realized I did until she mentioned it. It made sense ever since I was a child I would always obsess over things out of my control and growing up I would over think and obsess. Most of my family members suffer from mental health health illnesses. So my mom kind of understands but the intrusive thoughts only started recently. And she doesn’t really understand she thinks that I just need to stop thinking them and distract and she thought once I was on medication it would go away forever and I would be fine but I still have them and it’s hard for me not to think about my thoughts because all I have ever know was to over think. But I have told her some of my intrusive thoughts and she’s been supportive with helping me get the help I need she got my talk therapy lessons. She scheduled me a GP appointment and she even drove me to the psychiatrist to get the help and medication I need. She will never fully understand but her support is nice. Also it’s your mental health and you get to decide who you are comfortable with telling!