How to Live With Someone Who Has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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When dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, no one is more frustrated by the illness then the person with the illness. However, family and friends who live with the disorder also feel its affects. Sometimes frustration over the irrational behavior takes over, or too much sympathy can cause the disorder to worsen. But, until the person has overcome the illness, there are ways to ease the stress of living with this behavior.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Start off by researching the disorder because some common misconceptions about OCD are that it's caused by lack of willpower, laziness or trauma. Realizing that OCD is a recognized mental health problem can help clear up any confusion. People with OCD actually feel frustrated over their behavior and feel they have little or no control over the situation. Learning more about the illness will help foster an understanding about what the person is going through.

Step2

Frequently, the person with OCD will try to recruit her family and friends to help with the obsessive rituals, according to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Although, the family member or friend may feel they are helping by complying, he is only obstructing recovery. Nevertheless, a gradual stop of participation is better than quitting cold turkey because it could trigger overwhelming distress for the person with OCD, and even worsen the behavior.

Step3

Show support and try not to lose your cool. Negative comments and criticism often makes OCD worse, while a calm, supportive network can improve the outcome of treatment, according to the OCD Recovery Centers of America. Telling the person with OCD to simply stop the behavior doesn’t work, but praising successful attempts to resist the rituals can be beneficial.

Step4

Try to either go with the person to a few therapy sessions or talk to the clinician about his/her progress. By showing interest in the struggle to overcome the illness, you are showing support.

Step5

Don’t stop living your life. If you make your life all about the OCD, it will become the only way of living.

Comments

glassjawchick16 said

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on 7/28/2008 Hi. I live with my boyfriend of a year who has OCD. He said that ever since he has been with me it has gotten worse....I cannot seem to get him out of the bathroom. All he does in there is mess with his face for hours. It has gotten to the point where I cannot get privacy in the bathroom unless he is not home.

It is greatly affecting our relationship as I feel I never get to spend enough time with him. I feel like he is slowly driving me insane.

As you, I have tried to stay patient but he gets mean and angry when he is freaking out about something. Not to mention he is a germ a phobe....

It would be nice to chat with you more because my friends and family do not understand.

gypsy456 said

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on 3/22/2008 I would love to get in touch with people who are living with somebody suffering from OCD. My husband is a musician, a very talented and wonderful violinist. However, my life is becoming heavily affected by the OCD.
The anxiety that he carries with him is getting too much for me and I feel how I am slowly but surely are losing myself.

It's emotionally draining and I am not sure how long I can do this.
Please tell me about your experiences, what have you done to 'survive' this ?

I am trying to stay patient, but I am losing my patience which of course does not help...

Help....

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