Pros and cons

Hey🌞 I tell most people I interact with often that I have OCD and I actually find it really helpful. I always make sure to only do it with people I feel safe with because I’ve had experiences where people misunderstand pure OCD and even called me a psychopath. They just don’t understand that intrusive thoughts aren’t desires, which is really hurtful. That being said, 99% of the people I’ve told have been kind and understanding and many have made an effort to educate themselves. Most people still think OCD is just about being super neat and tidy, so it feels really good to explain what OCD actually is. I love challenging the harmful narrative of saying “I’m so OCD” just because someone is organised or clean as it’s really damaging to those of us who live with it. Telling my friends and family has been incredibly beneficial. When I have a panic attack or an OCD attack, I can just tell them what’s happening. They hug me or help me rationalise the thoughts without giving me reassurance. This has been so helpful because it allows me to feel safe and grounded without falling into compulsions. But I make sure to never ask them for reassurance as this would only worsen the cycle. It’s just knowing they are there and understand me, and that support is so validating. My friends all know and they know how horrific my intrusive thoughts can be. I’ve shared some of the worst ones and they still love me and if anything, they love me even more deeply. It feels so safe and empowering to know the people around me see the darkest parts of me and still love me wholeheartedly. I also know I’m lucky. My friends and family are amazing and I’m so grateful for them. I understand this isn’t the case for everyone, so it really comes down to finding the people you feel safe with and taking it at your own pace.

I do tell people sometimes. Most of them assume I just worry a lot and want things neat. Sometimes that’s upsetting because they don’t understand how hard each day is but if I’m being honest, sometimes I prefer that because the truth can be embarrassing for me. I only tell my therapist the whole story. Even my husband, family, friends don’t know most of my obsessions/ compulsions. They only see the tip of the iceberg

Thanks for the feedback. I think I could be a little more open than I am about revealing I have it. I think I just have to be careful about who I tell. Just being completely open about it could backfire so I appreciate recommending telling people I trust. There are people that I could tell and they just wouldn't understand the details and how debilitating it is. I don't want to be judged so it makes sense to proceed cautiously.

The only people I've told are my wife, my priest and a friend I can trust. That's just me. I don't think it's anyone else's business.

i’m pretty open about saying i have ocd, but i rarely ever talk about it to anyone aside from my therapist. most people wouldn’t understand anyway.

Hi I’m new and was just diagnosed with ocd after years of misdiagnosis. I have told some family and my 2 closest friends. Only my husband and best friend really get it and have seen how much I struggle. The rest just say oh ok good luck. And that’s it. So I don’t really feel supported or like they get it. But I’m sure they think it’s just another diagnosis im adding to years of a long list of other ones. Idk though maybe not! I try to be curious and ask questions when people open up to me but it seems my family and friends aren’t really like that. I’m not sure if I’ll tell others but possibly. There’s always the stigma misunderstanding. It’s why it’s so nice to have this app to talk with others who really get it.