This is a question I have heard over and over from OCD sufferers. Although I think it is generally best to discuss your OCD symptoms with your family members, so they can help you, some of my patients prefer not to do this, and often succeed on their own. I asked several of my patients to answer this question and give their reasons. Here are some of their replies:

“I have not told my family the details of some of my OCD thoughts because I’m not sure they would really understand to the full extent that I would need them to. And I am ashamed of the thoughts myself so I don’t feel like sharing them with anyone.”

“I have told my family members the details of my OCD because they can help if they understand what you’re thinking or going through. They can even help you make light of your thoughts and symptoms, though it may not seem so when you’re in the middle of your symptoms.”

“I have not told my family the details of my OCD. I did try to explain my OCD to my husband once several years ago, but did not label the issues OCD but just explained some feelings I had and that I was getting help for them. Now I justI try to consolidate all my symptoms to a specific time of day, usually the morning, and usually try to do something else at the same time like jog or walk, fold laundry or take a shower, so that my time spent away from my family dealing with these OCD issues is not as obvious.”

Have you told, or not told, your family about your OCD symptoms? Why or why not? And if you had it to do over again, would you make the same decision again?