How to be an OCD ally: a short guide

The best way to be an ally to people with OCD is to know what it is and that people have it. Every single person reading this article is already doing so much better than most, just because you’re here. While I have you, I want to introduce you to the ultimate OCD ally guide known as BEAD. BEAD is an acronym that stands for Believe, Educate, Affirm, and Do Not Do Their Compulsions For Them.

B - believe. When someone tells you they have OCD, believe them. This article took me many hours to put together because I didn’t even know how to explain OCD. Additionally, I don’t talk to people about my OCD until they have seen my informational presentation. It’s difficult to talk about, even to professionals sometimes. Additionally, when someone shares with you something they are worried about, it’s often our first instinct to refute that thought by saying “it’s nothing to be worried about,” “that’s ridiculous, everything is going to be okay.” Which brings me to AFFIRM.

E - Educate. There is always more to know about OCD. And knowledge is power. The more you know the more you can help someone. 

A - Affirm. People with OCD just need to be listened to. They don’t want your advice, they don’t want your help. They just need someone to recognize their struggle. What they certainly do not need is for someone to dismiss their struggle. They can’t get rid of their intrusive thoughts, so by saying things like “don’t worry about it,” or “it’s fine” can isolate someone with OCD. Instead, if someone tells you about their OCD, I encourage you both to sit with the uncomfort by saying “I’m so sorry, it sounds like OCD is being really loud today” or “OCD sucks, I’m sorry it’s bothering you right now.” You don’t need to fix it. People with OCD are strong, they know what to do!

D - Do not do their compulsions for them. Sometimes people with OCD may ask for reassurance as a compulsion. If someone you know has OCD and they ask for reassurance on something, I urge you to ask them, “Is this OCD” or “Are you doing a compulsion”. This way, you can help them identify compulsive behavior and additionally prevent them from engaging in it.

Use BEAD - add another bead to your superpower bracelet: OCD Ally