Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Online Support Group

While we all sometimes like to double-check on things such as making sure we have our house keys on the way out of the door, extreme, obsessive behaviors such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning can be a sign of OCD.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. Often, a person is caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. 

Common Obsessions in OCD:

• Contamination (Ex: Body Fluids, Germs, Household Chemicals)

• Unwanted Sexual Thoughts (Ex: Forbidden or perverse sexual impulses, Obsession about sexual orientation or aggressive sexual behavior)

• Losing Control (Ex: Fear of acting on an impulse to harm oneself)

• Harm(Ex: Fear of being responsible for something terrible happening)

• Obsessions Related to Perfectionism

Common Compulsions in OCD:

• Washing and cleaning (Ex: Handwashing, showering, cleaning household items)

• Mental Compulsions (Ex: Praying to prevent harm)

• Checking

• Repeating (Ex: Rereading, rewriting, repeating body movements)

Factors that might contribute to OCD include family history, other mental health issues, and experience with trauma.

How Support Groups Can Help?

Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional. 

Mental health issues often cause a sense of shame in the sufferers. Support groups can allow us to make connections, providing tangible benefits to people experiencing mental health issues. 

Benefits of participating in support groups can include:

• Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma associated with the disorder

• Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

• Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

• Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope

• Learning about health, economic or social resources

Benefits of online support groups can include:

• Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time

• More frequent or flexible participation

• A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional

• A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups

• Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups

You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.