Having an Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder is really hard and stressful. How can I say so? Because I have OCD myself. Life is hard, but uncontrollable, just like this disorder, as much as we want to control and to prevent it, but sadly I have to say, we can’t. Below are 7 things to remember if your loved ones suffer from OCD.
1. They don’t want immediate negative criticisms or comments.
This is really the most powerful tip I have. Whenever persons with OCD receive criticisms, they really feel down.
Instead of helping us to make better our behavior, criticism makes it worse. This is because they usually feel unworthy if they did something imperfectly. Normally, people will accept criticism as a way to become better. But people with OCD need a positive environment rather than being surrounded with critics.
2. They do want to be corrected, but in the nicest way possible.
In relation to the first point, whenever a person with OCD hears someone telling them that they did wrong, they interpret it worse than it was meant. Well, of course, you can correct them, but not by shouting at them or pointing fingers. It’s better to tell them in a calm and soothing manner rather in a nagging or scolding way.
3. They need your extreme patience.
Kindness and patience is one of OCD’s biggest demands. People with OCD need to feel that they don’t have to worry or be so anxious about something. Never ever make them feel like they annoy you. As much as they want to control it, unfortunately, they can’t.
4. They have uncontrollable and compelled rituals.
As much as possible, try to stop them in a calming, peaceful, soothing manner. Try to tell them in a nice way that there are other things that they might like to do instead of what they are repeatedly doing.
5. They know that their urges are uncontrollable.
People with OCD really need the support of their loved ones. As much as possible, don’t try to stop them from what they need to do. Rather, invite them to a short and quiet talk as a family. A person with OCD needs to feel that you do accept them and you that know how much they are struggling because of their disorder.
6. They sometimes find their OCD humorous.
Having an OCD is never a funny issue. But there are people who can laugh at it and this makes them feel better. For me, having this disorder is often funny and I just usually ignore and enjoy it in some ways. But this depends on the person and if he or she finds it really humorous or not. Be sensitive about it.
7. They need support, not judgment.
This is one of the most important things to remember. There are times that the OCD swallow up the normal way of thinking about things since a person with OCD does have the tendency to think too much and to feel guilty for things her or she didn’t do.
In general, having an OCD is a big struggle. But then again, OCD is a part of many person’s lifes and they can’t avoid it.
You may ask: Why do people have this disorder? There are a lot of theories. But no one can name the exact cause of OCD. What you have to remember is that no matter how much this disorder distracts and prevents people from thinking logical, each person with OCD has his or her own ways to manage it. They just need your support and positive communication.
Featured photo credit: Ian Caldo via flic.kr
