OCD Awareness Week: What It Means & How You Can Help

Every year in October, OCD Awareness Week gives us a chance to talk about a mental health condition that is often misunderstood: Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

OCD isn’t about being “a bit tidy” or liking things to be clean. For people who live with it, OCD can be a daily struggle — sometimes even life-changing. That’s why awareness matters.

What is OCD?

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes people to experience:

Obsessions – unwanted thoughts, images, or worries that keep coming back and cause distress.
Compulsions – repetitive behaviours or actions someone feels they must do to try to ease the distress caused by obsessions.

For example, someone might be afraid of causing harm, even though they don’t want to, and feel the need to check things over and over. Or they might worry that something bad will happen unless they follow a certain routine.

The important thing to understand is:
People with OCD don’t want to do these things – they feel they have to. And it can be exhausting.

Common Myths About OCD

Let’s clear up a few things:

Myth: “I’m so OCD about my desk – I love it neat.”
Reality: OCD isn’t about liking order; it’s about intrusive fears and compulsions you can’t easily control.

Myth: “It’s just a quirk.”
Reality: OCD is a serious anxiety condition. It can take over someone’s daily life.

Myth: “They’re just being dramatic.”
Reality: OCD can be distressing and isolating. People often feel ashamed and hide their struggles.

Signs Someone Might Be Struggling With OCD

Repeated handwashing, checking, or counting.
Avoiding certain people or places due to fear of harm or contamination.
Needing constant reassurance.
Feeling stuck in routines or rituals.
Trouble concentrating because of unwanted thoughts.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms regularly, it might be time to seek support.

How You Can Support Someone with OCD

You don’t have to be an expert to help, just someone who listens, learns, and cares.

Here’s how to start:

Listen without judgment: Don’t try to “fix” it right away. Just be present.
Avoid feeding the compulsions: For example, try not to constantly reassure someone if they ask the same question many times. Instead, support them in getting help.
Encourage getting support: Talk to a GP, or contact a local mental health charity like Darlington Mind.
Be patient: OCD isn’t something someone can just “snap out of.” But with help, people can get better.

How can we help?

If you live in Darlington, County Durham, Hambleton or Richmondshire, you can contact Darlington Mind for support.

We offer:

Counselling, to talk confidentially with a trained professional.
Support groups, where people can meet others with shared experiences.
Creative groups and wellbeing activities, including cooking, arts, and confidence-building.

See our services and support page.

Or contact us today - 01325 283169 / [email protected]