OCD Action

ocdpartner
Member

Hello

I am new to the forum. I have been with my partner for 8 years, he has always had OCD since he was about 13 and always controlled it the best he can. We moved in together about 3 years ago and all has been great, there was a few things I noticed but as I said he had it under control so I didnt have to worry about it.

Recently he has just started up his own company and things have changed dramatically. The first couple of weeks were fine and he was buzzing on the work he was getting in then things changed one day and he hardly speaks, not interested in the work.

We have spoke about it breifly but I find it frustrating as I dont know what is going on in his head. He says he thinks bad things are going to happen to him if he doesnt follow his routine or rituals. I have never seen it this bad.

I really want to help him but I dont no how? Anyone help???

x

Wed Feb 9 2011 11:52:35 #
Truddles
Member

Hi ocdpartner

Welcome to the forum

I’m sorry to hear that your partner’s experiencing severe problems with their OCD. Stress can exacerbate OCD and setting up your own business can be extremely stressful.
That’s part of the problem with OCD that we think that something dreadful will happen if we don’t follow our rituals. Of course in reality nothing will happen but with OCD once we get a thought it just goes round and round in our heads and we just can’t get rid of it. The same with rituals once we start them it’s difficult to stop just in case something happens.
But there is help for people with OCD. As his OCD has recently flared up and is having a severe impact on his life I suggest that he goes to his GP to ask for help with it. The treatments for OCD are either Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or medication – SSRIs or a combination of both.
Go to http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/ for more information on OCD and treatments etc.
You can get help and support on this forum from others.

Best wishes
Trudy

Wed Feb 9 2011 13:50:45 #
Truddles
Member

Hi ocdpartner

Welcome to the forum

I’m sorry to hear that your partner’s experiencing severe problems with their OCD. Stress can exacerbate OCD and setting up your own business can be extremely stressful.
That’s part of the problem with OCD that we think that something dreadful will happen if we don’t follow our rituals. Of course in reality nothing will happen but with OCD once we get a thought it just goes round and round in our heads and we just can’t get rid of it. The same with rituals once we start them it’s difficult to stop just in case something happens.
But there is help for people with OCD. As his OCD has recently flared up and is having a severe impact on his life I suggest that he goes to his GP to ask for help with it. The treatments for OCD are either Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or medication – SSRIs or a combination of both.
Go to http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/ for more information on OCD and treatments etc.
You can get help and support on this forum from others.

Best wishes
Trudy

Wed Feb 9 2011 13:51:30 #
ocdpartner
Member

Thanks for the advise Trudy, that has helped. Is there anything I can do to help him in the mean time?

Regards

Wed Feb 9 2011 15:30:27 #
AmeliaLouise
Member

Hello ocdpartner, welcome to the forum

The unfortunate truth of the matter is that there is very little you can do for your husband right now. When we are in the grips of an OCD episode, it is very hard to listen to those around us, even loved ones. Although this is frustrating, it is just the way the OCD affects our thinking and you shouldn't take it personally.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do for your husband whilst waiting for professional help is exactly what you are already doing - be a loving and supportive wife. It can be worrying when we feel that we are pushing a partner or family member away through our behaviour, so reassure him that you are going to do whatever you can to help him. Talk to him and find out if there is anything in particular that is triggering his anxiety, and if there is, you may be able to take steps to help reduce this in the meantime.

I know this might not seem very helpful but unfortunately there is no magic cure Just being there for your husband will be more help than you could imagine. And I hope that in time he gets the professional help he needs.

Best wishes,
Amelia x

Thu Feb 10 2011 18:31:56 #
mala
Member

is there any medications that could help?

Tue Feb 15 2011 5:05:39 #