OCD can be a debilitating condition to have to live with. I'm a great believer in doing things, even little things, that make life a bit easier. Here are just a few things to avoid with OCD and hopefully help make someone's life a tad less difficult.
- Using alcohol or other drugs – Drugs and alcohol initially make the sufferer's need for control and order dissipate. A measure of relief is then felt. However, once the sufferer has sobered up, the guilt of having been out of control and/or any guilt over actions while "under the influence" causes the victim to counteract their feelings of shame and embarrassment, compulsive actions are often increased in an attempt to flush them out.
- Trying to control things that can't – control what you can and let the rest take care of itself. This can be hard, but it can relieve the pressure of solving all of life's problems. Alcoholics often recite what is called The Serenity Prayer – I think it applies for sufferers of OCD. A link is posted below.
- Do not cut yourself off – you need the support of your friends and family to deal with OCD. While there are a great many of support groups on the Internet, it is much more advisable to find one in your local community to benefit from personal interaction.
- Blaming yourself for your OCD – are you harder on yourself than you would be with a friend who had this illness? Practice being kind to yourself. Stop feeling ashamed for having a disorder that isn't a weakness, but as true and real as having a Heart condition.
- Ignoring problems - they aren't going anywhere and will only return stronger. Tackle problems one at a time. "Baby-step" if you have to, but do not stick you head in the sand.