Being in an intimate or even just a dating relationship with someone with any chronic illness, including OCD, means that you need to be up to speed with respect to the symptoms and treatment of the illness.

Can a person with OCD love?

Although OCD does pose many challenges to forming, maintaining, and enjoying a romantic relationship, there are ways to cope. Manage your symptoms. The severity of OCD symptoms is positively associated with the inability to establish and maintain a romantic relationship.

How do you love someone with OCD?

OCD sufferers often have repetitive thoughts or actions they cant easily shut down. Dont dismiss or minimize their pain. Acknowledge what theyre feeling and offer empathy; not frustration. Encourage their progress and dont compare.

What are some OCD triggers?

Many things can trigger an increase in OCD symptoms whether thats hormones (puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, menopause), increased stress and pressure to perform (in college, at a new school, in a new job) or something entirely different.

Are people with OCD aware of their disorder?

Far too often, people with OCD suffer in silence, unaware that their symptoms are caused by a neurobiological problem. Like others who have illnesses such as asthma or diabetes, people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms.

What does obsessive compulsive disorder look like?

OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when youre trying to think of or do other things.

Does OCD get worse as you age?

Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives. As you may already know, the symptoms of OCD include the following: Unwanted or upsetting doubts.