Picking up the phone to call an OCD charity was a turning point in my OCD story. I thought I’d exhausted all treatment options and at my lowest and most vulnerable had ‘therapy’ with an unqualified ‘online OCD coach’. I didn’t know where else to turn and decided to try OCD Action, an amazing charity that provided a non-judgmental and safe space to speak about what I was going through. Their information and support ultimately steered me toward the specialist OCD treatment that put me on the road to recovery. I have so much to thank them for and, I will never stop singing their praises! I only wish I’d called them sooner.
We are lucky to have some amazing charities here in the UK and abroad that understand and support those with OCD and related disorders.
Here’s a list of the charities whose resources I’ve found useful.
The OCD Action website has a wealth of trustworthy, unbiased information, and their helplines are there for you whether you’re diagnosed with OCD, think you might have the disorder, or you’re concerned about a loved one (Over 18s tel: 0300 636 5478 email: support@ocdaction.org.uk). OCD Action also offers a wide range of online support groups that provide a safe space to connect with others that are experiencing OCD and related disorders.
The OCD Youth e-Helpline is part of OCD Action and there for anyone between the ages of 14 and 25 who is affected by OCD or a related condition (such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder or a Body-focused Repeititve Behaviour). You don’t need to have a diagnosis to contact the charity, many young people are unsure whether they have the disorder or not.
Another great OCD charity based in the UK. I remember finding their history of OCD article particularly interesting! OCD UK has a helpline (01332 588112 - please check their here for opening times) or you can contact them via email here.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) facebook page hosts some brilliant online events such as ‘ask the experts’, ‘research roundtable’, ‘community conversations’ and ‘town halls’. I’d highly recommend giving them a follow.
Their website also has a wealth of useful information about OCD and its treatment worldwide.
OCD gamechangers is a non-profit with community and peer support at its heart. Founded in 2018 by Chrissie Hodges, a certified peer support specialist, OCD gamechangers runs an annual conference, that I have found to be an incredibly supportive, validating, and inclusive space. Look out for their online pop-up events on their Facebook page too!
Maternal OCD is a charity co-founded by Maria Bavetta and Diana Wilson - two mothers who have been there and recovered from debilitating perinatal OCD. On their website, you can find success stories, help for mums and tools for professionals.
PANS PANDAS UK is a wonderful charity that supports children and their families affected by PANS or PANDAS. These conditions are associated with an abrupt, acute, and dramatic onset (usually within 24-48 hours) of OCD amongst other symptoms. For more information and support click here.
OCD is associated with several other disorders such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The BDD Foundation is a UK charity that offers online support groups and an email helpline. I came across the BDD foundation when they hosted a joint conference with OCD Action.
People with OCD can also perform body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) such as hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting and cheek biting. The TLC Foundation supports those who perform these behaviors repeatedly, causing damage to the body. The TLC foundation offer peer-led support groups and a brilliant directory of self-care providers that understand and provide solutions for BFRBs.
I think Made of Millions does a brilliant job at shining a light on the challenges faced by people with mental health disorders, TODAY! Cultural stigma, misrepresentation in the media, and access to care are topics they cover with a modern edge which, somehow managed to diminish the shame I’d always felt about suffering with a mental health disorder. I think that comes from the fact the team behind the project are epic, cool people (e.g. Aaron Harvey and Rose Cartwright)! Aaron and Rose have personal experience with OCD, so you can be sure this charity is OCD informed.