Teens and Friends with OCD

Hey Teens! Some of you may have friends who have OCD. This post may give you some helpful information about OCD.

First things first! Let’s explain some terms. Based on our reference source, OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. So let’s break that down even more. OCD can cause fears, anxiety and intrusive (or repeating) thoughts that you can’t stop. Those are called ‘obsessions’. Things you do over and over again (to try to make the anxiety go away) are called ‘compulsions'. For example: someone may have an obsession about germs, so they have a compulsion to wash their hands many times throughout the day. To some people, this may seem ‘funny’ but it’s not funny. It’s the way some people’s brain functions. It’s just different.

So, how can you help a friend with OCD? Well, first talk to them and really listen to what they have to say. Let them know that you care and want to support them. Ask them if there are things that you can do to help them with their obsessions? For example, if your friend has obsessions about germs, maybe you could keep hand sanitizer in your room for when they come over to hang out. There are many small ways that you can find to help your friend.

The important thing to keep in mind is that OCD symptoms are different for each person so take the time to talk with your friend about their individual obsessions and compulsions. That’s a great way to show that you care about them!

Cited Source: “Got OCD? A Guide for Teens” by OCD Chicago (www,ocdchigao.org)

~ Sher