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People experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms and their family may spend years not knowing what is wrong. Even with a diagnosis, there is tension within relationships and it can be frustrating, often taking a toll on family and friends. Family dynamics are impacted and social networks can become small. Here are some ways that family and friends can do to help a loved one diagnosed with OCD.

• Learn about the disorder

  Researching the disorder is important so that you can find out about misconceptions like how people suffering from OCD lack willpower, are lazy or suffers from trauma. Learning can help foster an understanding of what the person is going through. Encourage your loved one who suffers from OCD to read literature or watch presentations.

• Recognize and praise small accomplishments

  At first, decreasing hand washing time by 10 minutes a day may seem insignificant to some, but it may be a giant first step for a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Stopping something cold turkey would do more harm as it could trigger overwhelming distress for the person.

• Refuse to participate in a person’s rituals

  Frequently, the person with OCD will try to recruit her family and friends to help with the obsessive rituals, according to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Although, the family member or friend may feel they are helping by complying, he is only obstructing recovery.

• Measure progress on the basis of individual improvement and not on standards

  Be patient about progress. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the disorder.

• It is important to understand that as family or friends that the recovery is difficult.

  It is helpful to build a support network of relatives and friends. It is important for the caregiver to take care of themselves and have a life of their own.

References:

• Anxiety Disorders Association of America

• eHow

• Help Guide