What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that often goes unrecognized, with many individuals struggling silently. For adults, OCD can manifest in a variety of ways. Its impact can be significant on daily life, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Understanding what OCD looks like in adults and how to support individuals both inside and outside of therapy is key to providing meaningful help, and fostering compassionate, effective treatment.

What does OCD look like in Adults?

OCD is characterized by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions. However, OCD presents differently for each individual, and the symptoms can vary widely.

Intrusive Thoughts
For some adults with OCD, the obsessions may involve worrying about contamination, causing harm to others, or fears of losing control. These thoughts are often disturbing and cause significant distress. The individual may feel compelled to engage in certain behaviours or rituals to reduce the anxiety these thoughts trigger.

Compulsive Behaviours
Compulsive behaviours are actions taken to prevent a feared event or alleviate discomfort caused by obsessions. These behaviours can range from handwashing, checking locks, and counting, to less observable actions such as mental rituals or the need for symmetry. For some adults, the compulsions may be time-consuming, taking hours each day, and can interfere with daily functioning.

Perfectionism
Some individuals with OCD may experience a high need for perfection, leading to repetitive checking, organizing, or cleaning. The obsession may focus on the need for everything to be “just right.” This can contribute to feelings of frustration or inadequacy when things don’t meet their standards.

Mental Obsessions
Unlike visible compulsions, mental compulsions are internal actions, such as praying, repeating words or phrases, or trying to neutralize intrusive thoughts. These mental rituals are harder to recognize but can be just as disruptive to the individual’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Reluctance to Seek Help
OCD can often be accompanied by shame or embarrassment, causing individuals to hide their symptoms or feel reluctant to reach out for support. They may also feel isolated because they believe their thoughts and behaviours are irrational or unusual, making it harder to open up.

OCD Support Inside of Therapy

Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage OCD. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. However, understanding how to support a loved one with OCD inside therapy can enhance treatment effectiveness and provide a sense of reassurance and understanding.

Encourage Consistency
Encourage the individual to be consistent with therapy, as OCD treatment often requires exposure to feared situations without performing compulsions. The process can be difficult and anxiety-provoking, but consistency and commitment are key to progress.

Validate Their Experience
While it may be difficult to understand the intrusive thoughts or behaviours, validating the person’s experience without judgment is crucial. People with OCD often feel isolated, so acknowledging their distress and showing empathy can help them feel understood.

Support Exposure Tasks
In ERP therapy, clients are gradually exposed to situations that trigger their obsessions while refraining from performing the associated compulsions. As a supporter, you can help by ensuring the person feels safe during these exposures and by encouraging small steps of progress.

Help Identify Triggers
Work with the individual to identify situations, environments, or specific stressors that worsen their symptoms. Understanding triggers can help them prepare for challenges and begin to work through them with their therapist.

Set Realistic Expectations
OCD treatment can be a long and difficult process, and setbacks are common. Encourage patience and remind the person that progress may not always be linear.

OCD Support Outside of Therapy

Support outside of therapy is equally important in helping individuals with OCD manage their symptoms in daily life. Here are some ways to support someone with OCD in non-therapeutic settings:

1. Avoid Enabling Compulsions: It can be tempting to help someone with OCD by performing rituals for them or reassuring them that everything is fine. However, this can unintentionally reinforce compulsive behaviours and prolong the condition. Instead, encourage them to refrain from engaging in rituals and gently remind them of the coping skills learned in therapy.
2. Create a Safe, Low-Stress Environment: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate OCD symptoms. Try to create an environment that is calm and supportive. Offer breaks when needed and reducing triggers wherever possible. Avoid placing additional stress on the person; it can make it harder for them to manage their symptoms.
3. Provide Reassurance and Emotional Support: Emotional support is essential to help OCD symptoms. Let them know that you can help and acknowledge the courage it takes to face their fears. Offering a nonjudgmental, safe space where they can express their feelings can make a world of difference.
4. Learn about OCD: Take the time to educate yourself about OCD to better understand what your loved one is experiencing. Understanding the disorder can help reduce frustration and allow you to respond with more empathy.
5. Encourage Self-Compassion: Many individuals with OCD are extremely self-critical, feeling shame or guilt about their thoughts or behaviours. Encourage self-compassion by reminding them that OCD is a medical condition and that they are not defined by their obsessions or compulsions.

Next Steps

Living with OCD is incredibly challenging. For those affected, every day can feel like an emotional and mental battle. Offering compassion, understanding, and support can make the difference in one’s journey toward recovery. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Therapy, counselling, or consulting with a psychologist or registered clinical counsellor can help.

At Willow and Sage Counselling, we provide individualized support for those dealing with OCD. We use evidence-based therapies that focus on building resilience and coping skills. Whether you are in Surrey, Burnaby, or accessing our online services, we are here to walk alongside you on your path to healing. Reach out to learn more about how we can support you.