Discovering your loved one has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can bring on a wave of emotions. Some partners are relieved to put a name to their loved one’s behavior, while others may find themselves worried about how to cope with the condition. Here are a few things you can do to support your partner and encourage a healthy relationship as they navigate OCD treatment.

How to Be There for Someone With OCD

1. Be Compassionate About Their Diagnosis

Like other mental health conditions, OCD isn’t anyone’s fault. Behaviors triggered by the disorder, such as obsessive cleaning, may be frustrating to you. Yet, until your loved one progresses through OCD treatment and develops healthy mechanisms for managing their condition, they won’t be able to help many of their actions. Showing compassion for their diagnosis is the best thing you can do.

2. Learn About the Condition

Learning about OCD can help you empathize with your partner. You can also better understand what to expect in terms of symptoms and OCD treatment. With the ability to anticipate what may come, you can provide the support your partner needs on especially difficult days. There are many helpful online resources for partners of newly diagnosed individuals.

3. Don’t Enable Rituals

There’s a fine line between showing compassion toward your loved one and enabling compulsive behaviors. Resist the urge to fall into the habit of checking door locks with your loved one or tolerating delays caused by rituals. Instead, show your partner you’re ready to help them overcome OCD by letting them know which behaviors you can no longer support.

4. Invite Open Communication

You can help your partner change their behaviors while remaining sympathetic to the emotional challenges of OCD. Let your partner know you want to keep the lines of communication open. Listen without judgment when they’re describing feelings of stress or other negative emotions.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Any mental condition can introduce challenges to a relationship. While supporting your partner, you may overlook your own mental and emotional needs. If you experience anger, guilt, or frustration, don’t hesitate to seek out your own therapy as well.

If you suspect you or your loved one could have OCD, allow the compassionate team from Ketamine Center of Connecticut in New Haven County to help. With two locations in the area, these professionals offer Ketamine, a safe anesthetic, as a complementary therapy for OCD, depression, and other mental illnesses. Find out more about their OCD treatment online or call (203) 701-6388 to schedule an appointment.