I too have OCD and I’ve been struggling with it for almost two years. I initially brought it under control with meds, which I highly recommend to anyone who might be considering it. If you’re struggling with mental illness, give your neurons and synapses a break and let the meds do the work. At least for a little while.

Therapy can help and I’ve heard good things about CBT, but I’ve never tried it myself. I’d like to eventually.

Meditation has been the biggest godsend in my life. I highly recommend attending a beginner meditation course and when you feel open to it, “Turning your mind into an ally” by Sakyong Mipham is an excellent book. Who would have thought that your mind can’t always be trusted? That it lies to you and tells you horrible things that leave you uncertain and unsure. I sure as heck didn’t. But now I know that it cannot be trusted entirely and that I need to form a new relationship with my mind. My mind is not me, but it can be my friend if it I approach it right.

I also understand your struggle with mental illness and relationships. Talking it out, being open and honest, and maybe even going to therapy together can help. But also be open the possibility that not everyone can be with someone and support someone who struggles with a mental illness. It’s not our fault and it’s not their fault. It’s just not a healthy match. If we truly love someone, and we can see that they’re not coping very well with our struggle, the best thing we can do for one another is let each other go. I hope you never have to cross that bridge, but I just want to give it to you straight.

I’m grateful that we live in the 21st century and I can feel that we’re getting to a place where we can talk about mental illness more openly with others, whether online or off.