Hello from another helpless observer.....

[Guest nonailsleft]

Hi all,

I have had to make the move to join the forum after lurking for a while; to give you an idea of my situation I will briefly explain where things are for me:

I am the partner of a PND/PNA sufferer, which has now manifested into contamination OCD for her following the birth of our second child; I hope to be able to keep a perspective on things and stay strong for her, but I have lots of other added hurdles that some days make me feel like things will never get better.

I don't expect to find miracles on here, just a reassuring word now and then will be what I am hoping for as I am finding it really hard too - which I know makes me selfish (as I am regularly told) - but if I am not strong, how can I be the best support system?

NNL

[Guest sam]

Hi NNL, I feel for you, may I wish you and your partner all the very best and stay strong for her. I have suffered sensorimotor ocd for 47 yrs and only told my GP last week, still not told any of my family, although I am single and have hidden this awful illness for so long.

Good luck and stay strong and united.

[Lacko'zeds]

Hi NNL,

I have OCD, but so mild that others can’t detect it. My son, however, has it quite severely, and this household functions very differently to the way it did in the past. There are many areas in this house that are contaminated, which can neither be touched nor have anything placed on them. Some other things, such as the washing machine, certain door handles etc, may be touched, but we have to wash our hands immediately before touching anything else. We no longer have visitors because of these ‘must/must not’ rituals and, other than the rare phone call from my wife’s sister, we receive zero contact from any of our families. Do we care? Sod them all!! I state that because if one’s own family can’t be bothered to read up and learn about this most dreadful of illnesses, then there is little chance of those not affected making the effort. Specialists are there to promote cures, and we are there to provide support. A person can’t pay lip-service to support – it must be constant and unconditional. Any hardship felt by those who support are miniscule compared to the pain of a tortured mind of a sufferer. You’re not being selfish by admitting that you’re finding things hard, you’re just being honest. My wife and I find things really hard, but we’re both on the same surfboard riding the waves together, and shall continue to do so because we care. To ‘care’ is the superglue of a family, and is all that’s required for support.

Your post suggests, to me, that you’re the right sort of guy, and I wish you well.