What Not to Say to Someone With OCD

If a friend or family member has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you probably want to do whatever you can to help them. But if you’ve never dealt with this disorder yourself, you might have a hard time figuring out what to say. Your goal should be to empathize with them and offer support, so with that in mind, you’ll want to avoid using these phrases:

• “Relax” – OCD causes someone to have recurring, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or repeatedly perform certain actions (compulsions). Even if your loved one’s concerns seem unfounded or don’t make sense to you, it’s important that you remember they can’t help it. Telling them to calm down or simply stop worrying, could leave them feeling invalidated and wondering whether you actually understand what they’re going through.
• “I’m so OCD” – Many people believe that OCD simply causes one to be tidy or particular about how things are organized, but it’s much more than that. If you’ve actually been diagnosed with OCD, it could be incredibly helpful for you to share your experiences with your loved one. But if you’ve never received a formal diagnosis, please avoid labeling relatively normal behaviours as “OCD,” since doing so can minimize the distress that people who have OCD suffer through.
• “I thought you were over that” – Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for OCD, although there are many treatment options available that can help to manage the symptoms. Your loved one’s symptoms may appear to have improved, but be sure to remember that OCD can be a chronic disorder that they may need to work at for the rest of their life.

The Team to Choose for OCD Treatment

Are you looking for a reputable psychologist with experience treating obsessive-compulsive disorder? We regularly treat people who are struggling with OCD, and we understand the impact this disorder can have on someone’s life. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.