perfectionism and - Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

6/14/13
Comments for Family Members to use
when the Person with OCD is Anxious
• “I know this is hard, but you’re doing a great job”
• “Think of how good you’ll feel in a ligle while”
• “Remember that anxiety will go away if you give it a
chance. It’s not going to hurt you.”
• “If I do this ritual for you, it will only make your OCD
worse”
• “It sounds like you are asking for reassurance, but it’s
not helpful for me to try to answer that ques@on”
More Comments
• “I can’t give you that guarantee– I don’t know for
sure”
• “How can I help you without doing rituals for you”
• “If I did that for you it would only be making your
problem worse. How else can I help you”
• “I know it is difficult. Let’s talk about the problems
you’re having gepng through this”
FRIDAY
Comments for when the Person with
OCD is Successful
• “I’m proud of you– I knew you could do it!”
• “Great job– I know this is not easy for you.”
• “I really love how hard you’re working on this.”
• “I’m so happy that you chose to go with the anxiety
this @me.”
Comments to Avoid
• “Everything is going to be fine, don’t worry”
• “I’ve done this before, your fears are irra@onal”
• “Believe me, it’s not that dangerous”
• “You’d beger not ritualize or I’ll…”
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