[littlematchstick]

Hi, I think a friend of mine has OCD, and I'm wondering how to help her. I know she has a hoarding problem (both animals and stuff). And I want to find the best way to help her deal with her problems in a way that is constructive and safe (for both the animals and her), and in a way that won't harm our friendship. She's an amazing person but just needs help. I don't want to say or do the wrong thing, so I figured the best people to ask are those who are suffering. How would you want to be approached, and what are some *do's and don'ts* of how to begin a conversation with her about her problem. Any feedback or opinions would be awesome and much appreciated.

Well, I'm personally not a hoarder, but I do have OCD. I definitely wouldn't want to be approached with no proof...like, if someone came up to me and said "You have a problem. And here's what you need to do to fix it."

Perhaps you could find a video on hoarding that you could watch with your friend? Maybe your friend would recognize that she shares some of the symptoms with the people shown on the video. Also, make it clear that you are approaching the subject because you care about her very much, and you want the best for her and her animals/things.

If she reacts badly to your positive gesture, then that would be too bad, but it wouldn't be your fault. In the end, the person with the problem must decide to help themselves.