Advise

@Community AI Helper Yes please

@Animal Lover 8 - Happy to share! One distinction that helps here: support that's aimed at the feeling ("this is a hard moment, can you sit with me for a bit") tends to be safe, while support that answers the question OCD is asking is where it tips into reassurance — even when it comes out as a hug or a "you'd never do that." A useful test is what happens after: real support leaves you feeling less alone, reassurance gives a quick drop in anxiety that wears off and leaves you needing another round. A lot of people find it works better to have the conversation while calm rather than mid-flare, telling the person ahead of time what actually helps and giving them a line to use if you ask the same question twice, something like "I love you and I'm not going to answer that." "Tips for explaining OCD: How to tell friends and family" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/telling-friends-and-family-about-ocd Practical guidance on how to open up to more people in your life, which is the part you're weighing — how much to share and how to frame it so they understand what you need. "What is reassurance–and when does it become a problem?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/is-reassurance-seeking-good-or-bad-for-ocd Covers where the line sits between normal support and reassurance that feeds the cycle, so you can spot it in the moment and protect the progress you've made. Are you working with a therapist who specializes in OCD specifically, or more of a general therapist? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!