Seeking Advice from Anyone in My Situation

You haven't given much information so it is difficult to know what I should tell you that would be helpful. OCD is generally helped with medication and therapy. There are definite chemical imbalances involved with the brain. I would start by gainig as much knowledge as I could. From there, I would try to offer what I had learned to whomever is responsible for this child's welfare. The good news is that the person who suffers from OCD can be helped a great deal with proper treatment. You can inform the child how much you care for them and how much better they can feel with treatment.

A.,
As an adult (37) with recognizable OCD since I was 10 I can tell you one thing for sure...OCD becomes a part of a persons "identity". Possibly he/she is worried that it is "who they are" vs. just a part of who they are and they are scared to lose it? I dealt with my OCD (counting, light switches, everything in even numbers, routines to ensure my families safety, etc...)on a daily basis and was unsure who I would be without it. I had a "freak out" when I was in my late 20's and finally went on medication and a little bit of therapy. My OCD, inherited from my mother, was all about my Mom dying when I was 12 and me feeling I could "control" things through my OCD (for example...if I touched the car door 8 times I wouldn't get in to an accident) I felt I was to blame for her dying because I didn't follow through on some odd routine. It wasn't really until my first daughter that I was able to "let go" of it because I simply didn't have the time for all the counting, routines, etc... I was torn...if I didn't do certain things, something would happen to my daughter, but if I did do them, she was without me. My OCD weakens when I am pregnant (my 3rd daughter is due in August), but it surely "attacks" afterwards. I take medication and deal daily with my issues, BUT, most importantly I know that my OCD does not define me...Maybe once your child conquers that "fear" of being nothing without their OCD they will seek treatment? The best book I ever read is called "Over and Over Again, Understanding OCD"...maybe get this, atleast for yourself, for a better understanding.
All the best,
S.

my husband has had OCD since childhood due to having both ADHD and Tourroutte's....
His not on medication anymore.. but he's also learned how to deal with his issues, and ticks by self control...
there are still issues but my suggestion is to both learn more on OCD for yourself, so that your well educated... and then start easing into your conversations.... begin about it like you would if you knew someone who was battling an addiction to alcohol, drugs.. etc.. for that is essentially what it is..
also, if you happen to know who their primary doctor is.. while they are an adult you can still call them and talk to them about your concerns.. that way they are aware of the problem... beccause this can cause major trouble..
for instance, OCD is basically based on routines that they get into.. wash their hands this many times, this has to look exactly like it does every morning.. etc. well medication that they were on for long periods of time, that they doctor either takes them off of, or switches to another med... could cause problems in the fact that it messes with their routine...
which is why the doctor needs to be notified of your concern also that way the doctor can also not only be aware of said problems, but also deal with it on a patient level... but also give you really great advice on what to do and where to go for support...
wish you the best of luck with this one...

If it's an adult... my experience is that you cannot change someone who doesn't want to be changed. You did not give too many details, but I would do yourself a favor and accept them the way they are. YOU can change by stop depending on them to change. Get what I mean?

Sadly, there's not alot you can do for her, she needs to come to it herself. You should get yourself some good therapy to cope with the stress. Good luck

If they don't feel they need help there is nothing you can do except maybe explain situations they may find themselves in that could become difficult for them if they do not get help.
You did not say what the OCD is or if there are many issues, but I do know many people that function pretty close to normal with their OCD's. One being VP of a company that will only take or touch documents with tongs and that is just 1 of his many issues. People around them adapt. Look at Howie Mandel. I know someone that had to do everything in 7's, she knew her issues but others couldn't even tell, she got so good at it. I know ALOT of people with OCD's and as adults they seem to adapt but as I stated, you did not say what the OCD was-if you choose to share that, you may be able to get more specific advice.

Hi A.,

Since she doesn't want help, it's obviously not bothering her, just the people around her. There is not much you can do at this point. Just take care of yourself and don't let it bother you too much. She is an adult now, so your work is done.

V.

How do you know the child has OCD? What is the problem that makes it so they do not want help?

Dear A.,
You are not old... just terrorized by teenagers!
Hell YES tell that 'friends' parents!!! If I had a daughter, (have a 25 y/o son)I would appreciate you telling me! And the sooner the better! That young lady's possibly not telling her parents, banking on unfounded confidence... that you won't really have a TALK WITH HER FOLKS! This is exactly what
you need to do!
Good Luck with Your Handful!!
C. S.