How To Support Someone with OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more common than you might think. Approximately 1.3% of the world's population will experience OCD and it’s symptoms at some point in their lifetime. That’s around 101 million people, which means you might know someone experiencing it. While the severity of OCD symptoms can vary with each individual, there are several ways you can support someone experiencing OCD.

What is Obssessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a mental health condition marked by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to perform in response to an obsession. Repetitive behaviors are meant to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared event. Individuals with OCD often experience significant distress due to these obsessions and compulsions interfering with their daily lives. OCD can impact various aspects of a person's life, including relationships, work, and daily activities.

Signs and symptoms of OCD

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of OCD is crucial for providing effective support. There are two parts to OCD — obsessions and compulsions. Here are some common ways these might show up for your loved one:

Obsessions:

• Intrusive and distressing thoughts.
• Fears of contamination, harm to oneself or others, or fears of making a mistake.
• Unwanted taboo thoughts.

Compulsions:

• Excessive washing or cleaning.
• Repeating rituals, such as checking things over and over.
• Mental rituals, like counting or repeating words silently.

Impact on daily life:

• Significant time spent on compulsions or rituals, affecting daily functioning.
• Interference with work, school, and relationships.
• Distress and anxiety when unable to perform compulsions.

Some common instances that can make OCD symptoms worse are the use of substances like drugs and alcohol or even some medications. Physical illness or concurrent mental health conditions like depression can also contribute to worsening symptoms, as well as the fluctuation of hormones, like throughout a menstrual cycle.

What not to say to someone with OCD

OCD is an anxiety disorder, which creates a certain amount of distress on the individual experiencing it. It’s best practice to avoid phrases that could further increase stress and invalidate their experiences. Here are some phrases to avoid when trying to support someone with OCD:

1. "I'm a little OCD too." This statement can downplay the severity of the disorder. OCD is a serious mental health condition, and using the term casually can be dismissive of the challenges faced by those experiencing it.
    
2. "Just relax and stop thinking about it." Telling someone with OCD to stop their intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors oversimplifies the complexity of the disorder. It's not a matter of willpower or relaxation.
    
3. "Everyone has their quirks." While everyone has unique habits or preferences, OCD goes beyond these quirks. It involves distressing obsessions and compulsions that significantly impact a person's daily life.
    
4. "You're overreacting." Minimizing or dismissing the distress someone with OCD is experiencing can be hurtful. It's essential to recognize that their struggles are valid and real.
    
5. "Just face your fears and get over it." Exposure therapy is a common treatment for OCD, but telling someone to face their fears without understanding their specific triggers and anxieties can be counterproductive. A mental health professional should guide this process.
    
6. "It's all in your head." This statement can be dismissive and stigmatizing. OCD is a mental health condition, and its impact on a person's life is genuine.
    
7. "Stop being so superstitious." OCD is not the same as having superstitions. Compulsions in OCD are driven by intense anxiety and are not simply personal preferences or beliefs.

How you can support someone with OCD

When it comes to supporting someone with OCD, it's all about understanding, encouraging, and helping them seek professional support. Here are a few ways to support a person dealing with OCD

1. Educate yourself. Learn about OCD to better understand the challenges your loved one is facing. Knowledge about the disorder can reduce stigma and help you provide more informed support.
    
2. Encourage self-help strategies. Support the adoption of self-help strategies. This may include practicing mindfulness through meditation or journaling, learning stress-reduction techniques, and participating in relaxation activities.
    
3.  Provide support without reinforcing behaviors. Avoid participating in the rituals or providing reassurance that reinforces the obsessions. Instead, offer understanding and empathy while encouraging your loved one to confront their fears gradually. 
    
4. Find a Therapist. Help your loved one find a qualified mental health professional experienced in treating OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),  exposure and response prevention (ERP), or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are common forms of psychotherapy treatment for OCD.

How therapy can help with OCD

It might be time for you or your loved one to seek professional help if the symptoms are interfering with daily activities or the ability to function. OCD can be effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication, among other interventions.  If you’re interested in seeking professional support for OCD, SonderMind can connect you with a licensed therapist who specializes in OCD in as little as 48 hours.