People living with OCD experience unwanted thoughts and images called obsessions. They can include fear of harming their baby, a premonition of someone close to them dieing, of catching infectious diseases by touching a door knob, of inadvertently stabbing someone with a knife, unfounded doubts about their relationship and much more. These thoughts create huge anxiety and will often drive them to perform exhausting physical and mental rituals and compulsions to neutralise the thoughts and relieve the anxiety.

I might have forgotten to switch the light off which could cause a spark and then a fire which could kill my family, I need to go back and check.

Sometimes, the only time they can switch off those intrusive thoughts is when they are asleep.

ORGANISATIONS

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is one of the leading international organizations working to support people living with OCD. They offer resources for people with OCD, support scientific research into OCD causes and treatment, and offer educational programs for clinicians and mental health care providers.The IOCDF is also well-known for it’s annual conference and recently launched it’s new OCD advocacy campaign #OCDvocate.

OCD Action is a UK charity that provides support and information to anyone affected by OCD. Their support phone line is 0845 390 6232.

OCD UK is stuffed full of really helpful information about OCD.  If you’re battling with OCD they also run forums that are a safe place to discuss your concerns with others who understand what you are going through.

OCD Youth is run by the team at The Maudsley Hospital OCD Clinic for young people.

BOOKS

The Man Who Couldn’t Stop gives a fantastic insight into what it is like to battle with OCD every day. David Adam gives a very honest account of his own OCD which is driven around a fear of catching AIDS.  The book goes beyond a personal memoir and includes aspects around brain research and treatments, both past and present.

Break Free From OCD is a very practical book written by clinicians actively working in the field of OCD.  It covers all the main types of OCD, of which there are many, and some practical advice on how to treat your problem.

Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a self help book written by two highly respected therapists.

Pure is a tragicomic story written by Rose Bretécher about her OCD.

BLOGS

Ellen’s OCD Blog Ellen is 15 and she has OCD.

Karen Robinson Karen waited 24 years before seeking help for her OCD.  Her experience of CBT for OCD will give hope to anyone trying to overcome their OCD.

GROUPS

OCD-Support (Yahoo! Group)