Should OCD Be a Family Affair?
When my son, Dan, was first diagnosed with OCD, I wanted details. What was he thinking, how was he feeling, is today better or worse than yesterday? The problem was, Dan would not, or could not, share the details of his disorder with me. He was even reluctant to see a therapist because he thought everything they spoke about would be relayed to his parents. Once I explained “doctor-patient confidentiality” to him, he couldn’t get to the therapist fast enough.
I now realize that Dan was right. I was better off not knowing. Dan’s OCD dealt with mostly mental compulsions and therefore was not obvious at the time. I had no idea how much he was suffering. I think if I had known, I would have accommodated him incessantly, and my heightened anxiety levels wouldn’t have done him any good either.
People with OCD seem to benefit a great deal from interaction with others who can truly understand what they are going through: fellow sufferers. And maybe what those with OCD really need most from their families is what all of us need and deserve: acceptance, understanding, and love.
