A support person can be a parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, classmate – basically anybody you can trust and who shows interest in helping you.
In too many cases your support person/s are hesitant or even afraid to provide the proper support you need. They are afraid of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing that might – at least in their minds – make your OCD worse. They can’t be blamed for feeling this way because they just don’t get it – cause they just don’t got it!
In fact, your support person/s need support.
They need to see your doctor, therapist, social worker, or whichever professional you see who truly understands your issues and can explain and tell your support person/s exactly what to do and what not to do.
Your support person/s must be comfortable and feel positive toward helping you. They need the proper direction of when to help and what to do and what to stay clear of.
Many support persons don’t tell you that they are nervous, even though they truly want to help. A good therapist will be able to sit them down and explain OCD and your particular OCD issues, and counsel them to be a solid and helpful support for you.
It is vital that the support person knows what’s what and is totally comfortable with their role in your recovery program. When everyone is on the same page you will able to feel safer, healthier, more supported, and happier.
