I'm new--2 questions re:cutting and explaining my child to family/friends

[Guest guest]

Hi.  I am so happy to have found this group.  I have been pretty alone and

clueless for some time and I've learned a lot already!  I have a 14 year old

daughter with OCD.  I can't be sure how long since her diagnosis, but I think

about 3 years.  She is on an SSRI and Buspar for anxiety.  Both seem to be

helping.  She started scratching in 5th grade and actually did cutting in 6th &

7th.  Then her OCD got really scary in that she wanted to see her blood.  I

haven't heard of anyone with that and I'm wondering if there is anyone else

dealing with this.  Mainly her OCD is touching symmetrically and just touching

things in general with regards to the thoughts that something bad is going to

happen to someone in the family.  The rituals have changed numerous times, even

to the point of looking into corners of the ceiling or such.  Mainly touching

has been the daily thing. 

 

My 2nd question is:  How do you deal with explaining the OCD to friends and

family?  I am not going to be telling everyone, but the family or close friends

do need to know.   It's pretty openly referred to that we are dealing with OCD. 

I don't think it is anything to be ashamed of.  On the other hand, most people

don't have a clue as to what it is and I've found some difficulty explaining it

without a long winded answer.  I'm wondering what have you found to be helpful

without giving too much information.  I don't want to give specifics to

embarrass my daughter. 

Thanks for your input.

 

Colleen