OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental disorder where an individual experiences persistent and unwanted thoughts or urges that inevitably disrupt their daily life. Unfortunately, OCD can also impact relationships for the worse. In this article, you’ll learn more about how OCD affects relationships so you can better understand the impacts of this condition.
Multi Concept Recovery offers top-rated rehab centers so patients can safely heal and transform their lives for the better. Whether you need addiction treatment programs or mental health treatment, our expert team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals is here to help you regain control over your health and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey!
3 Ways OCD Affects Relationships
OCD not only impacts you, but it can also impact your relationships for the worse. Keep reading below to learn more about how does OCD affect relationships:
Emotional Strain on Your Relationships
First, OCD can first raise emotional strain between you and your partner, friend, or family member. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed about your symptoms of OCD that your loved one may witness. And, your loved one may experience confusion or even frustration surrounding your symptoms. This is especially true if your loved one may not be able to understand why you struggle or are obsessed with certain things. If you experience feelings of shame, guilt, or judgment from your loved ones surrounding your OCD, this may further create anxiety in your life and may increase your risk of limiting your interaction with them.
Loved Ones Can Unintentionally Enable Your Behavior
Meanwhile, some loved ones may unintentionally enable your behavior because they may not know how else to help you. For example, if you obsessively check your locks before leaving your home, a loved one can unknowingly follow that same ritual for you and thus enable your behavior. While during the short-term a loved one may feel like they are helping you by not drawing judgment or frustration to the situation, long-term, this can lead to emotional strain and further enabling of your behavior.
Daily Life Challenges in Relationships
In general, OCD can take up additional time and energy from daily life, which inevitably can present challenges with relationships on a daily basis. For example, suppose your parent is in constant distress about checking all the locks several times before they leave their home each day. In that case, this can take up additional time and energy each day from your relationship before your parent has even had the opportunity to leave their own home. This can further bring about added emotional strain to the relationship, as discussed in the first point.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, or another mental health disorder, it is critical to consider seeking professional support to effectively manage your symptoms. No more suffering in silence with your condition. Our expert team is here to help you guide you so you can safely manage your symptoms and lead a healthier, happier life.
At Multi Concept Recovery, our top-rated rehab centers are committed to helping patients safely and effectively overcome addiction and heal so they can lead healthier lives. We provide a wide range of treatment options from addiction treatment programs to mental health treatment so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you lead a healthier, happier quality of life!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs and symptoms of OCD?
Unsure if you or someone you know is struggling with OCD? OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) involves experiencing obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repeatedly doing a certain behavior to calm stress from your obsessive thoughts). For example, if you experience extreme fear around getting in contact with germs in public, you may obsessively worry about what you touch in public and thus may feel the need to constantly wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer after touching anything out in public.
OCD is varied in that there is a range of obsessions and compulsions one can struggle with, such as constantly checking locks, needing things to be symmetrical or in a certain order/pattern, and more.
What is the best treatment for OCD?
There are a wide range of treatment options available for individuals who may be struggling with OCD. For example, psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment option. CBT involves identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors and turning them into positive ones to help improve your mental health and well-being. Other treatments, such as support groups and holistic therapies can further help support your recovery.
How do people with OCD act in relationships?
If you or someone you know has OCD, this can also impact their relationships with others in a variety of ways. For example, this can look like constantly worrying about what your partner, friend, or loved one thinks about you. This can also look like constantly worrying or questioning whether your partner is cheating on you, even though you have no reason to question your partner in such a way.
Unfortunately, constantly worrying, questioning, and struggling with these intrusive thoughts can negatively impact your relationships as a whole. And, in some cases lead to distrust in the relationship, even though the individual has given no reason to be untrustworthy.
OCD can impact not only your mental well-being and quality of life, but it can also hurt your relationships. This is why it is critical you consider seeking professional help if you suspect you may be struggling with OCD symptoms. At Multi Concept Recovery, we offer a wide variety of treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care for your unique recovery needs. From addiction treatment to mental health treatment, we provide a wide range of treatment options for tailored care.
