Obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD treatment and therapy from NOCD

OCD Resources for Support Systems: What Family, Friends, and Loved Ones Need To Know

By Hannah Overbeek

May 15, 20245 minute read

Does someone you care about have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? You’re not alone. OCD not only affects 1 in 40 people; it also touches the lives of millions of family members, friends, partners, spouses, and loved ones around the world. And when it does, it can be challenging to navigate—especially if you’re unsure how to best support your loved one or where to turn for reliable information.

Thankfully, having the right resources can make a world of difference.

Whether you’re seeking guidance on how to recognize OCD symptoms, tips on effective communication, or information on evidence-based treatments like exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, we’re here to give you the insights and support you need to be a source of strength and understanding for your loved one with OCD.

OCD resources for everyone

Emergency Resources

NOCD is not intended to be used in an emergency or considered a replacement for emergency services. If you know someone who is in danger of harming themselves or others, please use the following resources to get immediate help. Read more →

How To Support Loved Ones With OCD

OCD looks different in everyone who suffers from it, so there’s no simple checklist that can cover your loved one’s unique needs for support—you know them better than anyone. That being said, here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you walk with them on their journey. Read more →

What Living With OCD Feels Like

To help you understand what your loved one might be going through, our CEO and Co-Founder Stephen Smith walks through two scenarios that shed light on what OCD is really like for people. Read more →

What Not to Say to a Loved One With OCD

It can be difficult to know how to help a loved one in your life who’s struggling with OCD, or even an acquaintance. Some of the most challenging aspects of OCD are invisible, so it may seem hard to understand for someone who’s never experienced it. Here’s what people with OCD want you to know about the condition—and how to best support them. Read more →

The Ultimate Guide to Managing OCD

Popular culture typically gets OCD wrong. OCD is not a punchline or personality quirk; it’s a serious mental health disorder. We’re working hard to provide education, understanding, and resources for the millions of people who struggle with it—and their loved ones. Here’s what you need to know about treatment options and what’s scientifically proven to work. Read more →

Virtual OCD treatment that accepts insurance

OCD resources for parents, caregivers, and loved ones

What To Do When Your Child Has OCD

Parents and caregivers can face certain challenges in recognizing childhood OCD symptoms, often overlooking early signs and attributing symptoms to personality traits. If you’re concerned about the well-being of your child with OCD, this article highlights the importance of early intervention and explains how you can find your child the care they need. Read more →

4 Steps for Supporting Children With OCD Without Providing Accommodation

Well-intended efforts to support a child with OCD enter the realm of family accommodation when they involve family members making adjustments to alleviate a child’s distress and anxiety or prevent negative outcomes related to their OCD symptoms. Learning strategies to reduce accommodation can help parents and family members provide more effective support, which can have long-term benefits. Read more →

How You and Your Partner Can Handle Your Child’s OCD

As parents or caregivers of a child with OCD, there are things you can do to provide support while also building an appropriate and healthy relationship, both with your child and your partner. By having support in place, expanding your skills, and actively participating in your child’s treatment, you and your partner can be significant champions in their fight against OCD. Read more →

OCD resources for partners and spouses

How to Respond When Your Partner Has OCD

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” way to be a good partner to someone with OCD. OCD looks vastly different in each person struggling with it, and it can continue to change over time. Remember that it’s not your responsibility to “save” your partner from their suffering—just do your best to support them along the way. Here are some effective ways to do just that. Read more →

9 Ways To Build a Supportive Relationship When Your Partner Has OCD

It can be stressful to watch your partner suffer from a mental health condition, especially one as frequently misunderstood as OCD. You may struggle to understand your partner’s experience or feel confused about what you should do to help them. Here are 9 steps you can take to build a more empathetic connection with your partner as you take on OCD together. Read more →

Here’s How OCD Affects Your Relationships Before, During, and After Treatment

OCD affects every aspect of life, including—and sometimes especially—relationships. The good news is that treatment can help your partner, especially when it’s a proven, effective treatment ERP therapy. Here’s what you can expect from the treatment journey, from the challenges of each stage to the role of treatment in helping you develop a healthier bond. Read more →

OCD resources for friends

3 Ways To Support a Close Friend With OCD

Caring for someone with OCD might seem counterintuitive, which can make it difficult for loved ones to navigate. However, supporting someone with OCD as they learn how to manage their symptoms is not only possible, but something that can be incredibly impactful. Here are three things anyone can do to support a close friend who has OCD. Read more →

OCD treatment for you or your loved one

If you or someone you care about is struggling with OCD, you’re not alone. NOCD Therapists have specialty training in OCD treatment, and we accept many major insurance plans. Please reach out to us—we’re here to help.

You can book a free 15-minute call with our team to talk to someone, find out more about NOCD Therapy, and get started with treatment that can help you or your loved one start conquering OCD.

We specialize in treating OCD

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