Cleaning and anxiety when not done.: Hello, I... - OCD Support

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Cleaning and anxiety when not done.

scotland1992 profile image
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Hello,

I have recently just been diagnosed with OCD. My all stems from cleaning, if things arent cleaned my way or "the right way" (being how I expect them to be) i get really anxious over this. This is now causing problems in my relationship, i could be cleaning around my partner and totally hating him for sitting there not helping, although when he does help i always get annoyed as he is not cleaning how I want him to. I recognise this may sound strange. Has anyone else experienced this?

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Sallyskins profile image
Sallyskins

There is often a knock on effect with OCD on partners, friends and family. Relationships do suffer as everyone around you is drawn into your rituals.

I've certainly made life difficult for other people with my OCD, though I try to minimize it.

It must be confusing for your partner, not knowing whether to help or not! Try to be patient with him as I hope he is patient with you. It might help to go over at the start of each week what you want him to do and how, and what he is willing to do. I say at the start of each week, as I hope you will be getting therapy and making little improvements, so the rules will need regular adjustment.

I do hope that after your diagnosis you are getting, or at least are on the waiting list for, treatment.

There is help for family and friends and some useful website with information. Friends and family are usually told they should not accommodate someone's OCD, do things for them they can't do or help in the rituals in any way, but in practice this is not always possible. It's a question of getting a balance.

I've always tried not to involve other people in my rituals. I don't expect them to join in, but I'm grateful for their tolerance and patience while I do them.

Family and friends, and particularly a supportive partner can make a huge difference to your recovery and it would be a pity to jeopardize your relationship with your partner.

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