How do I help my child with OCD? 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, is a mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, unwanted thoughts (obsessions), and repetitive behavior (compulsions). There are several types of OCD, such as contamination OCD, harm OCD, symmetry OCD, religious OCD, checking OCS, and sexual orientation OCD. 

That saying, “I am so OCD…” Yeah, not! Individuals with OCD are in a constant fight or flight mode, which impedes everyday function depending on the gravity of their OCD. In 2021, I had a breakdown, a crisis where I was finally diagnosed with OCD, and really, I was so grateful for the diagnosis because it meant I wasn’t crazy! At the age of 5, I had my first intrusive thought, which caused a sense of guilt and anxiety for having those thoughts. 

What causes OCD is unknown, but research has suggested that OCD can be related to various factors such as genetics, environmental, psychological factors, and brain chemistry. 

As a mom who was diagnosed with OCD, I feared that my children would have this mental condition, which was a fear I communicated with my therapist at that time. She told me, you have the tools, the understanding of what OCD is and how it can make you feel. I felt confident and prayed that my girls wouldn’t endure this condition. Just recently, my oldest has displayed intrusive thoughts, and in the last week or so, it has gotten progressively worse. I am grateful that she shares these thoughts with me because she aids from her mother but also as a person with OCD to understand her better. 

How can we help? 

1. Kids do not understand what OCD is, so informing them that its unwanted thoughts cause compulsions, which, in my eldest case, is telling me of every intrusive thought she has. As parents, we must listen to our kids nonjudgmentally and with an open mind and ear. Sometimes, some intrusive thoughts are not commonly viewed as usual, but for individuals with OCD, it’s another random thought. 
2. Educate and inform your child that their thoughts do not define her. Often, intrusive thoughts are the opposite of what we value and contradict what we believe. 
3. We must accept our thoughts and feel all the emotions and feelings that come with them (even though this step can be scary). 
4. Seek Help. You must seek professional help. NOCD provides excellent services and therapists across the country. NOCD is also kid-friendly. 

If you or anyone who is suffering from OCD, I want to let you know it gets better. <3

Check out NOCD for more information.