For family and friends of people with OCD.

If you have a friend or family member with OCD, you may be wondering how you can best support them. OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts and behaviours that can interfere with daily functioning. While it can be hard to understand what your loved one is going through, there are several ways you can help.

First and foremost, be patient and understanding. People with OCD often struggle with intrusive thoughts and feelings that can be difficult to manage, embarrassing, or seemingly irrational to others. Listen to your loved one without judgment and let them know you are there for them. Never make them feel ashamed about their experiences or judged when they confide in you. Sometimes symptoms are “invisible” - given that obsessions occur in the mind, and some rituals are mental acts as well. Never presume to know the extent of a person’s experiences or degree of suffering, and remain respectful and empathetic towards them. It is important to believe what people tell you, and not try to minimise or invalidate their experiences.

Second, try to learn about OCD and the challenges it presents. Educate yourself on the different types of OCD, the treatments available, and what it looks like to live with the disorder. This will help you better understand your loved one’s experience.

Third, offer practical support. Help your friend or family member develop their own OCD management plan as advised by (or with) their healthcare professionals, if appropriate. Encourage them to try therapies that have been recommended to them, such as exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) or medications. You can also help them stay on track with their treatment plan by checking in on their progress and offering words of encouragement. Your enthusiasm, endorsement and acceptance of treatment for a mental illness can go a long way in motivating those around you to seek help and persist with treatment. Sometimes you might even be invited or able to participate in their treatment, for example, by helping them resist ritualising at home, and exposure themselves to their triggers whilst remaining calm and present.

Finally, create a safe and supportive environment. Let your loved one know that you are always there for them and that you hope to better understand their struggles. Encourage them to talk about their experiences and provide a listening ear when they need it. By offering patience, understanding, and practical support, family and friends can be an invaluable resource for someone with OCD. Remember that while it can be difficult to understand what your loved one is going through, showing them compassion and support can make a world of difference.