5 Things NOT to say to someone with OCD

One thing I love about the quadrosphere is it's not only a space to learn from one another, to share our stories, and to gain insight. It's also a place where we can learn how do we support the people in our lives or the people that we care about most? Keeping that in mind, here are five things not to say to someone who's struggling with OCD. Number one, you don't look like you have OCD. No one looks like they have OCD. It is not always outwardly apparent due to the various ways that it presents itself.

Second thing, not to say, why can't you just stop? That is very invalidating. And if it were that easy, wouldn't we all do it? Three, you're lucky you have OCD. That comes from the stigma and the myth that individuals who have OCD are just simply highly organized people. One of the most harmful things that you can believe about OCD is it's just about being highly organized, and it completely invalidates the struggle that individuals may go through to try to create an environment that makes them feel safe.

Four, and I hear this one a lot. I'm a little OCD, too. Please don't. Please don't say that to someone unless you've actually been diagnosed with OCD. And even then, be cautious about moving your share into the conversation when someone is going through a moment for themselves. And number five, just relax. Again, invalidating. Not easy. And what you have to understand is people who struggle with OCD work through it every single day. They're doing everything that they can to try to be the best version of themselves as possible.

There are multiple ways to support them, but here are some things for you to remember not to say. And maybe instead, just ask them, how can I support you in this moment? Until we meet again, stay well.