DEALING WITH INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS OCD HOW TO
DEALING WITH INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS OCD PROFESSIONAL

Changing your behavior to accommodate the OCD is often easier with someone you love than attempting to set boundaries or interfering with compulsive behaviors. You might think you’re helping, but it can easily cross the line.Īccommodating your loved one’s OCD symptoms - for example, waiting in the car as they complete their rituals - is a mild form of enabling. When you enable someone, you tell them their behavior is OK and they don’t need to change.Įnabling behavior is sometimes hard to identify. When you support someone, you guide them toward ways of getting better. What’s the difference between helping and enabling? You can also read our OCD resource directory for more information and support.

DEALING WITH INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS OCD HOW TO

If you’re looking for a therapist but aren’t sure where to start, check out Psych Central’s How to Find Mental Health Support resource. Once they set up appointments, you can help them remember or offer to take them.

DEALING WITH INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS OCD PROFESSIONAL

A professional can help your loved one manage their symptoms.įor example, you might encourage the person to talk with a doctor or therapist. Helping someone find treatment for OCD is one of the most supportive things you can do. Noticing their progress may give the person hope that they can manage their condition. If you see improvements, don’t hesitate to point them out. Try to avoid comparing their mood or symptoms to how they were yesterday. Someone with OCD can show improvement one day and experience a setback the next. Avoid comparisons and recognize improvements It reduces the need for judgment while relieving your stress. Changing your attitude in this way can stop you from being surprised when things don’t turn out as you expected. It helps to adjust your expectations by not assuming that you know what will happen. Remember that they won’t overcome the condition on a set timeline - their symptoms will get better sometimes and flare up at other times. Your loved one may not do things the same way as you, and that’s OK. Some OCD signs and symptoms to watch for include: Learning to recognize the triggers can help you offer support.īehavioral changes can be gradual. Your loved one may have certain OCD triggers that set off their symptoms. Try accepting them as they go through their routine, but encourage them to take steps toward improvement. Offering a supportive environment means avoiding criticizing your loved one’s behavior. You may not understand what they’re going through but it helps to be patient as you offer support. It’s not helpful to expect them to tell you everything immediately, or to expect that they will start managing their symptoms right away. They may find it hard to open up, especially at the start. It’s OK to acknowledge the situation and talk with the person - but try to avoid pushing them to talk about it.

When they know they can be open with you without being judged, they will feel more able to talk with you about what they’re going through. If you notice your loved one’s compulsions or they tell you about their obsessions, see if you can react with compassion instead of shock. Your support can make all the difference in helping your loved one manage symptoms of OCD while strengthening your relationship with them. How to support someone with OCD with compassion

Dealing with intrusive thoughts ocd