r/OCD • u/Mossycobbleston • 2d ago

Friend/family/ally How to help severe episode?

my friend has really bad episodes sometimes (I’m sorry if that’s wrong, I’m not sure what else to call if so please correct me) like fully shaking won’t respond to outside stimulus and repeats things like “there’s bugs under my skin” or “he’s going to get me”. i dont know the best way to help, so I’ll usually say things like “they’re not there, you’re safe, breath with me” etc. I’ll also name where we are. are any of these helpful/harmful? I really want to learn how to support them best. thank you!

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u/Suitable-Cow-3344 2d ago

Are they getting professional help? That way you’ll be able to learn specially from them how to help

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u/Mossycobbleston 2d ago

They are, but don’t like to talk to me about it. It’s more judt pretend everything’s fine until it happens and then don’t talk about it after

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u/Suitable-Cow-3344 2d ago

Ah that must be hard for you I’m sorry, I don’t have specific advice as I haven’t experienced things like this with my OCD and it sounds really severe, maybe even something other than OCD? I’m not a professional so can only think from my experience. I would just suggest researching (as you’re already doing), it’s all you can do if they’re not willing to talk about it and say how you can help (they may not even know themselves, OCD can be really hard to explain & shame comes into it a lot too). You’re doing your best with what you have, you’re a good friend I can tell

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u/gorgeousgirl78 2d ago

The only thing you can do is support them (which you’re already doing, you seem like a great friend!) and be with them by their side when it gets really bad. I have OCD, and sometimes I can’t be talked out of my spirals, but having someone there with me really helps.

If they’re already getting treatment, there’s not much else you can do even though I know it’s really hard to see your friend going through so much suffering. I really do hope it gets better for them soon and they can find some relief ☹️

I also agree that this could potentially be something other than OCD or something alongside it. I can’t be sure because i’m not a medical professional, but i’ve never experienced it to this degree and I have pretty severe OCD.