i have ocd and my family doesnt approve?

Question

i have ocd and its more mentally then physically. my family cant understand that things stay in my head until i can say something about it and i feel my sister provokes me on purpouse than i get angry and tell her to stop cause that bothers me and my whole family yells at me and i told my dad that the ocd is mentally and he told me "im sick go get some help" and after that i almost cried a river

Answer 1

I can empathize with you to a certain extent, not only because I have some OCD tendencies myself; but I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Plus, most of my working career was spent monitoring charts at two State Pschiatric Hospitals. Besides monitoring the charts of *all* patients admitted to both of these hospitals, I also knew some of these patients personally, and I know it isn't easy to have the problem - it's got to be even worse if your *own* family doesn't understand!

Although the number of people with OCD was not a very large percent of the patient population, I certainly know a little something about this disorder and I would be glad to discuss your disorder with you if you would care to send me an e-mail via Yahoo!7 Answers. Let me hasten to add that I am *not* a *highly-trained* psychologist and am certainly *not* (nor ever have been) a licensed psychologist! I am simply a person with 60+ years of life experience and some inkling of what you must be going through! You don't say how old you are, how long you have known that you have OCD, how old your sister is, how much education any of you have, how you learned of your diagnosis, etc. Family dynamics cetainly plays a significant part in *any* disorder, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc. Even though am *not* an expert by any means, I *do* care and shall be praying for you and your situation!

God bless you, "ya_who"!

Answer 2

Have you actually been diagnosed by a doctor as having OCD? If so, talk to your doctor about arranging some opportunity for your family to learn about the disorder, how to help you, and how to support each other. It sounds to me that they don't understand that you can't help the way you process some things and I am very sorry that you are getting yelled at and provoked. That is a very hurtful thing.

If you haven't been formally diagnosed, you need to have your family doctor refer you to a psychiatrist or psychiatric clinic that specializes in anxiety/mood disorders. It sounds scary....like there's something terribly wrong with you if you have to see a psychiatrist. This is NOT the case. Lots and lots of people see psychiatrists, psychologists, and other therapists. People like teachers, lawyers, doctors, cops, moms, dads, kids.....even other psychiatrists!!

Talk to somebody you trust and don't be afraid to accept help. It's the first step to feeling better and getting your family to understand. There are also support groups for people with OCD (AND their families!) that can be a tremendous help. Yours doctor should be able to put you in touch.

Good luck and God bless you! I will keep you in my prayers.

Answer 3

It must be very tough for you.
OCD is a mental illness. And please understand that having a mental illness is much widely accepted today and understood than ever before.
Only the ignorant or intolerant don't or won't want to know this.
Do seek help and there are medications for this condition that I do believe work wonders!
Let your family know it is not only a common thing to have, but most of society accepts it and whoever has it and tells someone, they would probably respond like 'Ok and are you going to play footy this arvo?'

Answer 4

Sorry to hear your family is not supportive.

Although it sounds like he didn't manage to say it in a kind way, your father is right.

There IS help available for OCD sufferers. It most often comes in the forms of psychotherapy and medication.

I really encourage you to seek out treatment. It can result in a night-and-day difference.

Hang in there,
~M~

Answer 5

I'm really sorry. I hope that you can find some peace in knowing you are not alone. Can you talk to a counselor at school? Even if they can't take care of it, maybe they can find you some help or just listen. Hang in there. Best wishes -s

Answer 6

I'm sorry...doesn't sound like you are getting much support at home. You might try visiting with your school counselor first. Usually, just talking will help a lot...and if he/she feels necessary, they can talk to your parents about you seeing a psychiatrist.

Answer 7

They need to understand that any time a condition hinders your lifestyle/every day activities, it isn't funny and needs to be treated like any condition, with respect and support. If they can't deal with that then maybe they aren't worth your time. I know that sounds terrible but if they won't support you then you need to find people who will.

Answer 8

OCD is a medical condition and can be treated with help. Please do see your doctor and get help for this. you don't have to live with it and its not your falt. Your sister needs to grow up. shes not helping. your parents need to lay down the law with her. They also need to get a clue and realise thaty this isn't your fault.