The Impact of OCD & Depression on Relationships

Living with OCD or depression can be challenging enough, but things can get even more complicated when adding relationships into the mix. People who suffer from OCD often need constant reassurance from their partner, which can be very demanding and draining on the relationship. When the heightened sense of fear and anxiety that comes with OCD is combined with depression, OCD can become even harder to manage. People with both conditions are less likely to receive the help they need to move past their disorder and live a healthy life.

This article will explore the impact of these disorders on relationships and offer ways to overcome them.

The Impact of OCD & Depression on Partner Relationships

With spouse and partner relationships, people with OCD may:

• Constantly seek comfort from their partner that they are loved and valued. This can be very demanding on the relationship and cause tension between the couple.

• Be afraid to leave their partner alone, even for a short period. A lack of privacy within a relationship may lead to arguments and conflict, as the person with OCD may feel that their partner does not understand their needs.

• Withdraw from physical and emotional intimacy out of fear of rejection or getting hurt. This can cause significant strain in a relationship and lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The Impact of OCD & Depression on Friend and Family Relationships

People with OCD may also have strained relationships with their friends and family members. They may:

• Avoid social gatherings or events out of fear of being judged or rejected. These thoughts can make it difficult to maintain friendships and lead to low self-esteem.

• Have difficulty communicating their needs to friends and family members. A lack of communication may cause misunderstandings and conflict within the relationship.

• Withdraw from activities they used to enjoy because of their OCD or depression. Isolation makes it difficult to connect with others and make new friends.

Often, it's hard for friends and family to understand what a person with OCD is going through. If you know someone suffering from OCD, depression, or both, it's important to be patient and compassionate and offer support when possible.

OCD & Depression in the Workplace

With colleagues and co-workers, people with OCD or depression may:

• Avoid certain tasks or projects out of fear of failure, negatively impacting job performance.

• Have trouble concentrating or focusing on work tasks, resulting in incomplete assignments and problems with meeting deadlines.

• Be afraid to ask for help or assistance. This can make it hard to build relationships with co-workers and managers.

These issues may make someone with OCD and depression seem aloof or like they have no interest in completing their work duties. However, this is simply not the case.

How to Maintain a Positive Relationship with Someone Who Has OCD

If you know someone who has difficulty managing their OCD and depression, remember they are not doing this to make things difficult for you intentionally - they simply cannot help it. There are a few things that you can do to help make the relationship easier:

• Be accepting and understanding of their condition.

• Encourage them to seek professional help.

• Offer support and assistance when possible.

• Avoid making any sudden or drastic changes in the relationship.

• Be patient with them as they work through their OCD and depression.

With enough understanding and patience, it is possible to maintain a positive, healthy relationship with someone who suffers from OCD or depression. In addition, there are also many online resources and support groups that can be helpful.