should i tell my grandmother about my pocd?

i live with my grandmother and recently told her that i’m being treated for ocd in therapy (and now officially diagnosed after i told her), and she asked me what my intrusive thoughts were about. i got really scared and said i didn’t want to talk about it, even though i do want to vent it out since my therapist is the only one who knows about them. and while she accepted my answer then, i can tell that she does really want to know what they are so she can help me (i think), but i’m scared of having to explain what pocd is to her since she is a little slow to understanding mental health things of any nature, and the stigma for pocd is already overwhelming from people online and whatnot so i’m scared of what she’ll say in response. so basically i’m just asking for advice on how/if i should tell her about it.

POCD

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

If you do, I would just make sure she has a solid understanding of what OCD is first before going into the/your subtypes. You don’t have to tell her tho, unless you want to. Just ask yourself what you would benefit from telling her and be prepared for multiple types of responses. If she wants to support you more, there are also support groups on here for fam members/close relationships in navigating relationships with those who have ocd.

EllyBlan

Date posted: Yesterday

Hmmm that’s really difficult, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that. I try to air on the side of caution with others I think may not understand mental health and especially OCD. It is important to remember you don’t owe her any explanation, if you aren’t comfortable explaining that is totally fine. On the other hand OCD is very isolating and misunderstood. It can be liberating to confide in and educate those around us. I would say if you have confidence go for it but if you are hesitant maybe hold back. The most important thing is that you are getting the support you need.

Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

I have shared with a few people, recently, after finally getting the diagnosis and putting the pieces together. Those thoughts and images were so terrifying that I kept them to myself for a very long time. Still convinced I might be a sick person. I was hesitant to tell my cousin/best friend because she has a little girl (who I love so much) but honestly, the people I did tell are people who know me very very very well. Not one heard it and thought of me any differently, one even chuckled because the thought of me being an abuser seemed so outrageous. I do agree with the above comment to make sure your Grandma understands OCD and what that actually looks like. A lot of people associate OCD strictly with order and cleanliness. Good luck!

designer_girl✨

Date posted: 16h

This is so rough. Deciding who to open up to in your inner circle about your OCD should be considered for a gold medal. Lol that stuff is HARD. Trust yourself in this case. Do what is best for you. Your grandmother may be trying to be supportive, but lean into your perspective here. If you’re hesitant about her understanding the pocd then it’s perfectly within your safe space to not disclose your OCD content. Maybe tell her “thank you for trying to understand and support me. The thoughts go against my values and cause a lot of discomfort.” Or whatever feels best for you ✨

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