Having parents with OCD can be challenging. It can be embarrassing and stressful. A common problem among children who grew up with parents having OCD is worrying too much about what other people think. This issue needs addressing, or you’ll end up as a troubled person who frets over day-to-day life. You may even end up as a parent with OCD yourself! It’s best that you learn how to deal with your fears and anxieties so you can lead a happy and contented life. Here we’ll be explaining what causes these kinds of problems and how you can resolve them:
• The first thing is for you not to worry about what other people think. If your parents have OCD, they already know that their thoughts don’t make sense because they’re feeling the same anxiety and nervousness that you are. This means that there is nothing wrong with their behavior, such as climbing over booths in restaurants or talking to someone while looking away. All it shows is that they are aware of their own behavior, which means they are not deliberately trying to annoy people.
• The second thing is that you need to understand the nature of OCD. As mentioned, people with OCD do know that their thoughts don’t make sense which leads to further anxiety and nervousness. The sufferer also becomes afraid that he or she will hurt other people’s feelings by doing something inappropriate in public. Remember, if your parents have OCD, then they are already worrying about what others think, so try to be supportive rather than creating more stress for them.
• You can help them by trying some relaxation techniques. It doesn’t matter whether it’s yoga, meditation, or tai chi; it just needs to help calm their nerves. Deep breathing is a wonderful example because it will help relax them both mentally and physically.
• Talk to your parents with OCD. They had probably been suffering for some time before they decided that treatment was necessary. Just explain that you are concerned about the odd things they do in public but that it’s not deliberate on their part. Let them know you love them no matter what!
• Make sure there are no issues at home. If you have a brother or sister who picks on your parents because of their OCD, then this is something else to talk about with them! Explain to your siblings (if they’re young) how important it is not to bully or tease people who suffer from mental illness because sometimes it can be life-threatening.
In conclusion, the most important thing you can do is to make sure that your parents get treatment. Try to support them in every way possible and always be there for them.