i feel misunderstood and not taken seriously
Ive been struggling with obsessions and compulsions since the end of 2017, even though only seeked help a couple weeks ago and was diagnosed with OCD last week. Having said that, i live in a very close minded environment with my parents refusing to believe that mental illnesses exist and my friends comparing my OCD to them having a headache...
I just feel like even though Im struggling majorly 24 hours a day, just because of the fact that im not hitting my head against a wall people feel like im perfectly fine, and it bothers me because i dont expect them to understand or to pity me, but some empathy would help me enormously because what they are doing at the moment makes me feel like my struggles dont matter and that i shouldnt complain because theres people who have ACTUAL problems (my parents words, not mine)
I also dont know anyone personally who also struggles with OCD or any mental illness really where i live, which turns me into a tabu and tbh id love to talk to someone in the same situation to feel understood and like im not alone...
Your post really resonated with me, I feel basically exactly the same. It's so hard struggling when people don't acknowledge it as difficult as it really is, too.
If you ever want to chat please feel free to message me x
@MaxCG I know this is really late, but I just read your post now. Man, I'm so sorry. It really sucks to live with people who don't understand what you're going through. You did a good thing by reaching out and looking for others who can support you in that way.
My SO doesn't understand it. He believes it exists, he just doesn't understand it. We don't talk about it much because I know he can't relate to the things I'm going through and it's hard to him to say the right thing, or give the right kind of support. I don't really rely on him for support. I hope you are able to find the right support group. It's really important.
Do you have OCD support groups in your area? Sometimes there are anxiety support groups, and while anxiety isn't OCD, they are closely related, so even an anxiety group might work for you. Even these online communities are good. (This particular OCD one happens to be quiet, but we are here!)
I'm glad you got a diagnoses. It can be scary at first, but once you know what your struggles are, it becomes easier to manage them.
@MaxCG I understand how it feels to be misunderstood, or rather, that people don't want to understand. I struggle with compulsions and quirks, most of which makes me come off as spoiled and entitled to my parents.