As we discussed earlier, you're not alone with this debilitating disorder: nearly 1.5 million people in the UK are suffering with OCD but this may be underestimated, as sufferers keep their symptoms a secret or even lack insight about their disorder. That is why on average it can take up to 17 years to be properly diagnosed and receive treatment for OCD.

It is important to accept that OCD is a recognised mental health problem. The first step towards effective treatment and recovery is to learn and understand what OCD is all about and this can help you cope. It can decrease negative feelings and distress, and help to open communication.

Family and friends are often the forgotten ones and they can also find their life's disrupted by the sufferer's obsession and compulsions. When family and friends are more informed about OCD, it is easier for them to be supportive and understanding. When children or adolescents have OCD, it is best for parents to work closely with schools and teachers to be sure that they clearly understand this complex illness.

Family and friends often find themselves getting involved in OCD behaviours in order to avoid upsetting the sufferer further. Telling someone with OCD to stop their compulsive behaviour will not work. Helping sufferers with their rituals and undertaking tasks gives them reassurance but this needs to be less frequent in order to help with there recovery. This may be difficult but this should be done gradually, preferably in line with their cognitive behaviour treatment programme. If you suddenly stop all involvement this could trigger a lot of stress for them such as anxiety and depression, so step carefully.

Try to encourage the person with OCD to talk about their disorder so you can learn and get a better picture of how it affects their life. Also discuss and ensure them that OCD is a common, treatable condition and that you will support them through this. Congratulate and acknowledge their improvements and be patient: this will help them focus their efforts on recovery. Basically, use your own judgement to deal with the situation steadily at the time.

Negative comments or criticism from family members can often make things worse; a supportive and understanding family can help improve the outcome of treatment.

You should not take on too much, otherwise you will make yourself ill and this won't help anybody. It is important to lead your own life and not let yourself became trapped in a bubble. You can do this by maintaining a network of support among your extended family and friends, or you can also contact a telephone helpline or attend a support group for family and friends so that you do not feel so alone. Sharing your worries and experiences with other people who have gone through the same journey of this debilitating illness can be a big help.

Help for Carers, Here you will find links through to all the key topics and articles about caring, which in turn will signpost you to the best information available on the internet. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.