Supporting a loved one with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a tough and emotionally draining journey. I don’t want to sugarcoat it (especially as someone who has struggled with OCD and anxiety since I was a kid, and have been working with people who have OCD and anxiety since 2008). 

OCD is a mental health disorder that comes with unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that people feel they have to do. As a loved one, it can be hard to know what the “right thing” to do is without making things worse. That’s what we are going to dive into today. 

Educate Yourself About OCD

The first step is to learn about OCD. Understanding what OCD is, its symptoms, and how it can be treated will help you as a loved one provide informed and empathetic support. The more you know about OCD, the better you can respond to your loved one’s needs and separate their personality from the disorder.

Encourage Open Communication

One of the easiest things you can do to support a loved one with OCD is simply to encourage open communication. Talking openly is super important when supporting someone with OCD. Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings without fearing judgment. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their struggles and successes. Listen actively and show empathy to help them feel understood and less isolated. Regular, honest conversations can also keep you updated on their progress and any challenges they’re facing.

Support Their Treatment Plan

Treatment is important for managing OCD (which doesn’t always mean going to see a therapist). Talk therapy can make things worse, and sometimes the best treatment is to take things into your own hands (like I encourage in my OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint, with evidence-backed strategies to support you). 

As a loved one, it’s your job to help them stick to their treatment plan, which might include things like Exposure and Response Prevention or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Show interest in their treatment goals and progress, and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Your support can boost their motivation and confidence in their recovery journey.

Avoid Enabling Compulsions

It will be tempting to join in or accommodate your loved one’s compulsions to temporarily ease their anxiety. However, this can reinforce the compulsive behaviors and make OCD harder to manage in the long run. Instead, gently encourage them to resist their compulsions. By not enabling compulsions, you help them build resilience and reduce the power of OCD over their life. 

To get more tips on how to support without accommodating OCD behaviors, check out this masterclass. It’s designed for loved ones of those with OCD, including postpartum OCD/anxiety. You’ll get practical strategies to support your partner constructively without making things worse. Find out more and sign up at this link.

Be Patient and Understanding

Supporting a loved one with OCD takes a lot of patience and understanding. The road to managing OCD is often full of ups and downs. That’s normal. There may be times when their symptoms get worse or they struggle to follow their treatment plan. It’s important to stay patient and offer unconditional support. Acknowledge their efforts and remind them that setbacks are a normal part of the recovery process. Your steady and compassionate presence can make a big difference in their ability to cope with OCD.

Create a Supportive Environment

Additionally, a supportive home environment can really help someone with OCD. Set up routines that provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety. Make sure your home is a safe and calming space where they feel comfortable. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and well-being, like reading, exercise, or hobbies. Creating an environment that supports their mental health can help them feel more at ease and better able to manage their symptoms.

Encourage Healthy Habits

In the same way, healthy habits are essential for overall well-being and can help manage OCD symptoms. Encourage your loved one to maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and ensure they get enough sleep. As with everyone, these lifestyle factors can positively impact their mental health. Additionally, activities like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience. Supporting them in adopting and maintaining these habits can contribute to their overall recovery.

Join a Support Group

Joining a support group can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice for both you and your loved one. Support groups offer a sense of community and understanding from others who are going through similar challenges. They can be a source of encouragement, information, and coping strategies. Encourage your loved one to participate in a support group for people with OCD, and consider joining a group for family members or caregivers. These groups can help you both navigate the complexities of OCD together.

The Road to Recovery

Supporting a loved one with OCD is a journey that requires empathy, patience, and dedication. It’s about being there for them in meaningful ways—whether through understanding their condition, fostering open communication, or encouraging healthy habits. It’s also about recognizing the importance of professional help and community support, both for your loved one and for yourself.

Remember, while you are a vital part of their support system, it’s equally important to take care of your own well-being. Balancing support for your loved one with self-care ensures that you can be there for them without compromising your own health.

If you need more structured guidance on how to support without enabling, consider signing up for my masterclass on supporting without accommodating. This course is designed to give you practical strategies and insights, empowering you to help your loved one in the most effective way possible. Together, you can navigate the challenges of OCD and work towards a better quality of life (for both of you). Learn more and sign up at this link.