It is important to remember that an illness is what a person has, not who they are.
Try these strategies for creating and maintaining ahealthy relationship.
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Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions and compulsionsare the primary symptoms of OCD.
People with the condition often engage in compulsions to deal with the distress created by obsessions.
In some cases, your partner may worry excessively that something is missing or incomplete.
Others may have unwanted, blasphemous, sinful, or sexual thoughts.
Some experience an extreme fear that someone will be hurt if they don’t perform a certain behavior.
Being empathetic and understanding can help your partner feel supported and understood.
Anxietycan often be a symptom of OCD, creating additional challenges in your relationship.
Sexual Functioning
OCD can also affect sexual functioning in several different ways.
Remember that the condition affects each person differently.
Not everyone will have the same symptoms or experience them the same way.
Empathy and acceptance can go a long way toward building trust and intimacy.
Never assume that other people in your partner’s life know they have OCD.
It could undermine trust in the relationship or have other unintended consequences.
Remember, any relationshipnot just with someone with OCDis about balancing your personal needs with the relationship’s needs.
Listen to what they say and take a stab at be as patient as possible.
They can also help reinforce compliance with medical and psychological treatment regimens.
Becoming partners in treatment can help build a stronger bond.
Caring for Your Own Needs
It is also important to care for yourself.
Practice Self-Care
Carve out time to attend to your needs.
Consider scheduling regular appointments for yourself, such as a massage or a pedicure.
It can be easy to become isolated when you are in a relationship with someone with OCD.
You might also want to consider joining asupport group.
It can be helpful to talk to others who are in similar situations.
There are many online and in-person support groups available.
Establish Boundaries
While you are offering support, you must establishboundariesin your relationship.
Boundaries are a way of identifying what you are willing to accept in your relationship with another person.
A boundary with a partner with OCD might involve telling them that you will not participate in their compulsions.
For example, you would not wash your hands every time they wash their hands.
Establishing boundaries early on can help prevent conflict later on.
There will be ups and downs along the way, which is why patience is important.
This can make social situations and everyday activities more challenging at times.
It can also contribute to feelings of shame and guilt.
It’s important to remember that every person with OCD is unique.
Relationship OCD can be challenging because obsessions and compulsions are focused on the relationship itself.
In this case, patience is key.
Recognize that they may be reluctant to open up at first.
However, it’s essential to let them know you’re there for them.
Offer to accompany them to the doctor or therapist for an evaluation.
If they are diagnosed with OCD, there are several treatments available that can help.
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