QOTD: What would you say to the community without OCD if you had the chance? I would merely make sure everyone knew the crap we have to go through every day, but I would thank them for being there-ish for us.

To be honest I don’t even know what I would say, I think I would probably have to say though that ocd is not a “ quirk”, it’s a mental illness that many people have to deal with one their day to day lives. Thanks for this post, it was nice to have a differnt post on here for a change. Thanks!

In addition to this, I would say “I wish I could be like you” haha

@Fruitpunch Lol yesss!

Also in addition lol that the stigma isn’t just bad for those knowingly suffering. But there are people out there going through this alone, living in guilt and not knowing there’s help. If people just knew what OCD really was, it wouldn’t take suffers so long to get a diagnosis

@lets_be_happy YES

@lets_be_happy SAY IT LOUDER!

@lets_be_happy Agreed. I lived with OCD for over 30 years before getting diagnosed. I started having intrusive thoughts at age at. OCD was not even on my radar. Once I started learning more about OCD, I could see it popping up at various times throughout my life. I was officially diagnosed in August of this year at age 45. I always thought OCD was liking things neat and organized and washing your hands a lot. I never had either one. I heard a podcast where a woman shared about what it was like living with OCD. It wasn't even a mental health podcast. I was shocked when I realized I could relate to a lot of what she shared. I started researching OCD to prove to myself I didn't have it. But it did the opposite. My research made more convinced not less. I started treatment shortly thereafter. ERP has been tough, but it works. I am well on my way to recovery.

I agree!! Love this post

Hmm good question 🤔 I would just maybe ask the community of those without OCD to have a little patience with us, and if they have questions to ask them privately, rather than out loud/in front of people!

I like this too!!

This is awesome

I would tell them that OCD is much more than just handwashing and being neat and organized. I would say tell them that saying things like "I'm so OCD" and "I think everyone is a little OCD" are very hurtful and dismissive.

Love this. I agree these comments are super hurtful and dismissive.

I would say please wash your hands more and make my life easier 😂 On a serious note; Some people should be told that ocd is not about having ‘bad habits’ that can be turned off like a switch if you just want it enough. It’s a horribly debilitating and complicated illness that needs the right approach to get better. Stop making fun of it and be patient :) It’s not a choice!

Ooh this is such a great question/thing to consider. I would encourage them to think bigger about OCD. That it's not just about the subtypes that we think about eg contamination OCD or relationship OCD but that it's so much more than that. It's an aversive relationship to doubt and uncertainty and so many more people struggle with this than we think.