Guidelines For Families Coping With OCD
- Keep it cool at home. Use a quiet manner.
- Lower expectations temporarily - compare progress this month to last month rather than last year or next year. Compare his/her progress with him/herself, not anyone else.
- Overlook rituals and checking. See these as coping strategies. Don't participate in rituals.
- Don't be judgemental of his/her behavior. Accept it as the best he/she can do right now.
- Do not pressure him/her to verbalize anxiety (only makes matters worse).
- Help channel energy into activities - jogging, swimming, dancing, etc. Activity is more likely to calm him/her down than talking it out.
- Allow verbal expression of rage and anger. Listen to what he/she says. Try not to be defensive.
- Help him/her develop confidence in own decisions and choices by allowing him/her enough time to make them him/herself. Never make decisions for another person (unless a young child) but help them make it.
- Do not confront him with what he/she says or does - reflect the feelings behind the action and allow further discussion.
- Do not pressure him/her but stick to the time allocated by the therapist. If not in therapy, cut down on the time of the activity slowly.
- Always explain changes - make only reasonable demands.
- Limits calm things down. Everyone needs to know what the rules are. Set limits on the amount of time he/she talks beyond 10 minutes. Conversation beyond 10 minutes may not be productive. Do not restrict rituals.
- Ignore what you can't change. Let some things slide. Never ignore violence or suicidal threats.
- Say what you have to say clearly, calmly, and in a positive way.
- Follow doctors orders. Take medications as they are prescribed. Take only medications that are prescribed.
- Carry on business as usual - reconnect with friends, hobbies, and family routines.
- No street drugs or alcohol. They make symptoms worse.
- Pick up on early changes and signs - consult with therapist and/or doctor.
- Solve problems step by step - make changes gradually. Work on one thing at a time.
- If he/she's on a behavioral modification program, assist him/her to follow his assignments by allowing his/her own time and space to do them. Don't get involved (unless a young child).