No empathy

[bright2]

My mum has OCD and tries to assure me that I don’t have anything to worry. All easier said than done though, so I really have try to have empathy but feel I have none any more. She says OCD likes to outsmart what we know of ourselves and value, so it will try to find something for her to worry about. I find that I have a better grip her intrusive thoughts now in the sense that if her thought SEEMS like enjoyment, I really know it isn’t. But I feel so guilty and shameful at the possibility that I have no empathy for her. OCD is trying to steer her from her rational side. She says thoughts are just thoughts, and she is not hurting anybody. Honestly I don’t want her to suffer but don’t know how to help.

[Forum Moderators]

Hi

We want you to know that you can also contact the OCD Action Helpline and Email Service to talk to or email someone who understands OCD.

Our Helpline volunteers provide confidential and unbiased help, information and support for people with OCD (and their family members too). Most volunteers have personal experience of OCD; all understand OCD and how it can impact a family’s life.

Contact our Helpline by:

• phone: 0300 636 5478 (this is a UK number).
• email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

You can also find out about support groups on our website – these are open to people with OCD and some involve family members too. They offer a safe place where you can talk openly about OCD and support and encourage other people too. Our information about UK-based groups can be found here:

• Local independent support groups: https://ocdaction.org.uk/i-need-support/local-support/
• OCD Action Skype/Phone/Zoom support groups: https://ocdaction.org.uk/i-need-support/ocd-action-skype-phone-zoom-support-groups/

If you don’t live in the UK, you can look for groups near you on the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website. Look in the section “Find Help” and then under “Listing Types”, choose “Support Groups”: https://iocdf.org/

And please remember that you’re never alone – OCD Action is always here to help and support you.

Regards,

Forum Moderators

[Author]

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