Adult child feels guilty for moving out of parents’ home

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently moved out of my parents’ house to rent my own place. My decision was partly influenced by my father’s obsessive-compulsive disorder, which has become increasingly difficult for me to handle. My mother has lived in a different state for her work for a year now, and I am an only child. While I know he can manage on his own, I feel guilty and conflicted about leaving him alone. His behavior — such as constantly checking things and insisting on specific routines — has worn me down over the years, not to mention his extreme anger when things do not go his way. How can I cope with the guilt of leaving my father alone while prioritizing my own well-being and mental health? — Growing Up With OCD DEAR GROWING UP WITH OCD: At this stage in your life, you are not responsible for your father, even though you love him.