Sufferer Helping OCD Survivor Sister: Seeking Guidance and Hope

[Dylannolastname]

Hello,
I'm at the start of my journey towards healing (CSA/SA trauma survivor), and I'm doing decently for the most part but it's incredibly difficult for me to lend any support to my sister (OCD, SA/Emotional abuse survivor, trans woman) and I worry that because she won't seek out any therapy she could get seriously hurt.....
I want to believe that my support and the support of others is enough but she seems to only be talking to me and her partner about a lot of her issues, and I am not a medical professional (training to be one but I'm still getting on my feet)
I feel like I understand that she doesn't trust a lot of people with talking about these issues but every time I talk to her I feel like I understand more and more just how much pain she is in and how much pain the people that are her friends are in......
And I want to help her, and her friends........ I just don't really know what to do....... I feel like she's prone to another suicide episode in spite of the fact that we are both away from our abusive Dad
I wish I knew what to do...... I'm not even that religious but sometimes I pray that life will have some mercy on her and she'll finally be able to like being alive

We're both in our our early 20's, so I understand that it's her choice but I'm getting more and more concerned and I feel like I can't help her at all..... sometimes it feels like I just make everything worse for her

I don't really want to blame her.... could anyone who has experience either working with OCD or having had OCD and was able to find a light at the end of the tunnel help me understand what I can do....

She's younger than me..... I'm so used to having to be her protective older brother........ I wish I could do something to protect her from all the bigoted messages and I wished I could've fully protected her from our father

Let me know if I have anything wrong about OCD, I have psychosis that I'm medicated for but I'm not sure what advice to give and I am open to learning

 

[Riley Jones]

I am deeply moved by your willingness to support your sister in such challenging circumstances. It's clear that you care for her tremendously and want to help alleviate her pain. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when wanting to protect your loved one from further harm.

It's important to acknowledge that while your support is incredibly valuable, professional therapy can offer specialized help that is essential for healing from trauma and managing conditions like OCD. Encouraging your sister to seek therapy may be beneficial, although ultimately the decision rests with her.

In the meantime, continue to provide a listening ear, offer reassurance, and remind her that she is not alone in her struggles. It's also crucial to take care of yourself during this process, as supporting someone through trauma can be emotionally taxing.

On myptsd.com, there are specific forums dedicated to OCD, trauma survivors, and various other topics related to mental health that you and your sister may find helpful. Sharing experiences and connecting with others who understand what both of you are going through can be a source of comfort and valuable insights.

I encourage you to explore these resources and continue seeking advice from those who have firsthand experience with OCD or trauma. Remember, you are doing your best, and being there for your sister in itself is a powerful form of support. Stay strong, and don't hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed.