How can family and friends help support someone with OCD?
OCD doesn’t occur in isolation. The OCD affects family members and family members can affect symptoms, mood, and treatment. When a person experiences distress caused by obsessions and engages in compulsions or avoidance, those around that person are affected too. Symptoms can take a toll on loved ones and, at the same time, how loved ones respond to OCD symptoms can take a toll. For example they might be critical of the person who has OCD, for engaging in compulsions, become angry when they seek reassurance, or intentionally trigger obsessions because they want to show that their fears are unfounded.
Alternatively, if a person experiencing OCD whose loved ones are supportive and understand their symptoms and treatment, this can greatly enhance treatment effectiveness.
Adapted from the book Daring to Challenge OCD. See Resources
There are many articles on how family and friends can help. Take some time to think how you can help or talk to a therapist.
See Living with Someone who has OCD. Guidelines for Family Members