Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be very frustrating for a number of reasons:
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No one seems to understand what I’m experiencing
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My obsessions are embarrassing and I don’t want to tell people what it is.
- I can’t seem to get rid of the thoughts for very long.
It is important to be able to have a community who understands what you are experiencing. Surprisingly, many people are not aware of the number of resources that can be useful: There’s the International OCD Foundation (www.iodf.org), and their local branch (www.OCDSoCal.org). There’s also the National Alliance of Mental Health (www.NAMI.org), and www.bfrb.org for those who struggle with trichotillomania and excoriation (hair pulling and skin picking).
IOCDF’s conferences (both local and national) include not only research and practitioner tracts, but specific workshops for individuals and their families who suffer from OCD. NAMI has local weekly support groups as well.
Getting connected to those around us who can be an emotional support and just ‘get it’ can be of huge benefit in the fight against OCD.