A quick fix is not the case with OCD. Sure, therapy and medication can help, but it is a slow process. Therapy can take up to 8 months at minimum, while medication, also slow due to having to try out all kinds of different drugs, isn’t usually a full treatment in the first place (for most people).

Here are some awful, utterly useless pieces of advice that I have ever seen or heard being given to people with OCD. I’m not saying they’re incorrect, per se, but more of how pointless they are. Saying them won’t help.

1. Just don’t do it.

Technically, you are right. Giving in to OCD is what fuels it, but guess what? I’m not cured yet. Don’t expect me to be. Just saying it doesn’t motivate me – not giving in is SCARY.

2. Go to a Dr.

We know. We really do know what we are experiencing is normal. But it’s not easy – some of us can’t afford health care! And some of us just don’t have the courage due to the taboos surrounding OCD. We will go when we can.

3. Don’t tell anyone. Hide it.

I can see why some people say this. There are so many OCD themes that are considered odd. Honestly, they definitely aren’t things that society would want to hear, but you know what? Bottling it up isn’t healthy. Let me tell my close friends. Let me spread awareness.

4. Don’t worry about it, because it’s all just in your head!

Kidney stones are only in your kidneys. Asthma is only in your windpipes. Headaches are only in your head! Do you like having a headache? No? Why not, it’s only in your head!

5. Stop panicking.

Ok thanks, cured. 🙂 My heart rate has totally slowed down now I have heard those words! Thanks! CURED! REHABILITATED!

6. You’re not alone – everyone has a bit of OCD.

Not being alone really helps – but I don’t have “a bit of OCD”, I have OCD. So, with only 1.2% of the UK population having OCD, I still feel alone.

7. Why take medication? I’d recommend doing it without.

Sometimes doing therapy by itself is not an option. Therapy isn’t some 1 week long magic fix. It requires determination, bravery, and energy. ERP (Exposure and response prevention) is a common form of therapy for OCD – exposure to your biggest fears. Does that sound easy? No? Well let OCD sufferers take their medication to allow them to get started!

8. Just get out of bed.

Thanks, but OCD can cause Depression due to how mentally draining it is, which makes some of us unable to even go to work, school, or brush our teeth. You will not magically cure my fatigue with your words.

What’s the stupidest piece of advice that someone has given you for your OCD?