Helping a Loved One with OCD

Living with someone who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging, but don’t lose heart — your support is one of the most important aspects of their treatment.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Drew Pittman, PMHNP, at Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, provides telepsychiatry treatment for patients in Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and Massachusetts, offering life-changing help for OCD and other common mental health disorders. 

Here’s what he suggests for families dealing with OCD.

Understand what OCD is

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that triggers unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Typically, these behaviors are attempts to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions but often end up reinforcing the cycle.

Know what to look for

Learn how to spot the signs of OCD behaviors, such as repetitive checking, excessive cleaning, rituals that seem irrational, changes in eating habits, sleep disturbances, and increased irritability.

When you see these behaviors and understand where they’re coming from, you can approach the situation with understanding instead of frustration or anger.

Check your expectations

Understand that people with OCD may take longer to complete tasks, and transitions may be particularly stressful for them. Adjusting your expectations can reduce tension. 

By moderating your expectations during stressful periods, you can help alleviate some of the anxiety that exacerbates OCD symptoms.

Encourage treatment

OCD is treatable, but your loved one may need some encouragement to seek and maintain their treatment. Drew provides proven techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and medications like SSRIs.

Remember that there will be good days and bad days

Progress in OCD treatment can be slow and nonlinear. Comparing your loved one’s current state to their best days can be discouraging, so focus on overall progress since the beginning of treatment.

Acknowledge small victories, like reducing the time spent on compulsions by just a few minutes. 

Don’t accommodate OCD behaviors

Family members often inadvertently accommodate OCD by participating in compulsive behaviors or modifying routines to avoid conflict. While this may seem helpful in the short term, it usually exacerbates symptoms.

If you realize you’re doing this, gradually reduce these accommodations and set clear boundaries. Lovingly explain that while you want to support them, you won’t participate in rituals that perpetuate the disorder.

Set limits 

You can help your loved one inch closer to their goal of eliminating OCD behavior by setting limits. Together, determine how much time will be spent discussing OCD or performing rituals, and stick to these agreements. It may even help to draw up a friendly contract, and Drew can let you know what to include.

Encourage medication compliance

If medication is part of the treatment plan, encourage your loved one to adhere to it. Medication often helps reduce symptoms but isn’t a cure-all. Combining it with CBT is the best chance for long-term improvement.

Don’t over-explain

People with OCD often seek reassurance, which can turn into a never-ending cycle. Rather than engaging in lengthy explanations, acknowledge their distress and gently redirect them.

Reiterate that some uncertainty is a part of life and a central aspect of managing OCD.

Get away from each other 

Encourage your loved one to engage in activities independently, and take time for yourself to pursue your interests. Spending time apart prevents resentment.

Celebrate small victories

Acknowledging small accomplishments can be incredibly motivating. Whether it’s cutting down shower time by five minutes or resisting the urge to seek reassurance, celebrate these victories.

Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness or request an appointment online to learn more about telepsychiatry for OCD.