Obsessive compulsive behavior - How I helped my loved one with OCD! - By: Derek Soto

About four years ago, the idea of Obsessive Compulsive Behavior was totally foreign to me. I grew up being familiar with the word OCD, because of how loosely this term is used. It's common for people to think OCD is about being anal and loving organization. Others have thought I myself have OCD, because I like things done a certain way and I am a major fan of organization. I came to learn that OCD is nothing like what I have stated.

Much to my surprise, I found out what OCD was the hard way...witnessing my loved on continue to suffer everyday from this. Touching things a certain number of times became an obsession for my boyfriend. The number of times he would touch things brought forth different feelings. If he touched things an even number of times he would be negative associations. Overwhelming anxiety and fear would set in. Nonetheless, touching things an odd number of times made him feel okay.

Not having OCD myself, I could not understand what the big deal was with numbers. I thought to myself, how could someone think this way? It is far from a walk in the park seeing my loved on suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. If you're reading this, I'm sure you understand just how difficult it is to love someone who has this disorder.

The worse thing you could do is be selfish. I can tell you from experience that only thinking about yourself and how your loved one's behavior makes you feel is not a constructive action. Being upset or yelling at your loved one, because they have to perform a ritual that affects you in any way is not the correct thing to do. .

With that said, the first step to being an asset to your loved one's recovery of OCD is to think about your loved one before yourself. Please understand that your loved one cannot control how things make him or her feel. They didn't ask to have OCD, and they are scared, anxious, and hate what they're doing. Although you may feel their compulsions or rituals are absolutely ridiculous, it is most important for you to put your feelings aside and think about the other person. Sighing heavily, looking at them like their crazy or being mean to them does not accomplish anything. Such actions will not help your loved one beat this disorder.

The next thing you can do to help your loved one beat OCD is by doing research about the disorder. Reading books or researching websites and blogs will help you know more about your loved one's struggle. I came to find out that my loved one felt utterly alone. It hurt to know that he felt as if no one understood him. I took it upon myself to educate myself about the disorder. By doing research and jotting down notes, this helped me better understand how my loved one felt. Once I understood the disorder I was able to help him with his game plan to get rid of OCD.

When you put your feeling aside, and you educated yourself about the disorder, the next thing to do is the most important: love the person who has the disorder. 1Corinthians 13 talks about the kind of love that will help your loved one beat OCD. Be patient. Be kind. Do not behave rudely, and do not seek the things that only benefit your own. Believe in your loved one when it's seems hopeless. Stand by your loved one and encourage him or her. By doing these things, you can help your loved one beat OCD.

About the Author

Obsessive compulsive behavior help! Derek J. Soto is an ex-sufferer of obsessive compulsive disorder who will show you how to become and stay OCD free for life.

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