OCD Awareness Week

[Tim_H]

Hi All, 

During OCD Awareness Week I wanted to ask everyone what's one or two things you'd like people to know about living with OCD?

For me it's that the intrusive thoughts and anxiety are constant, there is no downtime.

I'd also like people to know about 'incidentals'. When your environment etc. leads to new obsessive thoughts/anxiety. It's so frustrating and isolating.

[Ainjoule]

Hey @Tim_H 

Interesting thread. I guess I wonder from people who have OCD is there anything I can do to help ease the anxiety when interacting with someone who has OCD?

[Former-Member]

@Tim_H @Ainjoule 

For people to understand it’s not something we just do.  The repetition of things we just have to do them.  It’s not fake or put on.  It’s a compulsion from deep within.  Trying to fight against it causes anxiety, panic 

[Brena74]

Thank you for raising awareness about OCD and OCD awareness week which barely gets a mention. There is not enough awareness, funding or treatment options in Australia for such a debilitating disorder. Spread the word. @Dahlia100 

[Tim_H]

Thank you for your response @Ainjoule.

I think wanting to help the person with OCD reduce their anxiety is the natural response of a caring person.

However with the treatment for OCD being to increase the anxiety and prevent the response (ERP), helping somebody to reduce/avoid anxiety can keep the OCD going.

Helping the person with OCD 'remain in doubt' or 'remain anxious' and not providing reassurance would be really helpful.

[Tim_H]

Thanks for your reply @Brena74. My pleasure! I agree you seem to only hear the term 'OCD' when it's being used incorrectly. Those suffering still struggle to receive proper understanding/support

[Tim_H]

I agree @Former-Member. The anxiety etc. that drives compulsions seems to be misunderstood. It would be nice if people understood how hard it is to resist making some type of response