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International OCD Foundation

@iocdf

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The mission of the IOCDF is to ensure that no one affected by OCD and related disorders suffers alone. Our community provides help, healing, and hope.

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Something new for the youngest members of our OCD community. 👕🧢

Our new Kids & Family IOCDF merch is officially live, featuring designs created especially for kids and families navigating OCD!

The collection launches alongside IOCDF’s new white paper on the state of pediatric OCD care in the United States. And as we head into OCD Awareness Week beginning October 11, we’ll continue shining a light on the experiences of children with OCD and the families supporting them! 🩵

Shop the Kids & Family collection 👉 shop.iocdf.org (link in bio) by @iocdf

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The State of Pediatric OCD Care in the United States White Paper is now live!

Too many children with OCD face delays, barriers, and challenges accessing the specialized care they need. Losing Childhood to America’s OCD Care Crisis, a new white paper from the International OCD Foundation, examines the current state of pediatric OCD care and what needs to change.

Up to 2 million children and adolescents in the U.S. may be living with OCD, yet new findings from the IOCDF show that most are going unrecognized—and very few are receiving the treatment proven to help.

With OCD Awareness Week beginning October 11, we’ll be sharing their stories, key findings from the white paper, resources for families, and ways we can work toward a future where every child with OCD has access to appropriate care

Read the full report 👉 iocdf.org/kidscarecrisis (link in bio) by @iocdf

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We are weeks away from OCD Awareness Week 2026!

From October 11-17, we’re challenging common misconceptions about OCD and highlighting experiences that often go unrecognized or misunderstood.

OCD can look like intrusive thoughts about harming someone you love, fearing you might secretly be a bad person, questioning your relationship or identity, replaying conversations, silently repeating words until they feel “right,” seeking reassurance, checking your body for signs of illness, or avoiding triggers.

These experiences can look very different, but they can all be OCD.

👉 Share a photo, video, reel, or story featuring a personal “That’s OCD” example, and use #ThatsOCD and #OCDWeek to join the conversation throughout OCD Awareness Week.

Read more at iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek (link in bio) by @iocdf

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I know I’ve shared some of these with you before, but I couldn’t let OCD Awareness Week slide by without jumping in on the action. When I was diagnosed with OCD, I had no idea how many things in my life I’ve experienced that were connected to it.
I had the same misconceptions that most people have: washing your hands a lot, clicking a light on and off repeatedly, checking the stove three times (even though these are all real valid symptoms of OCD) there’s so many other ways that it manifest that many people might not even realize.

I’m sharing my experience because A) I love @iocdf and when I heard they were trying to help spread awareness about OCD this week, I obviously wanted to be a part of the #thatsocd train and B) because I’m hoping that by sharing my weird lil quirks, it helps others realize they don’t have to struggle alone. I know how isolating (and embarrassing) it can feel when you don’t know what’s going on in your own brain.

You aren’t alone and there’s help available. I love your faces! ❤️

#ocd #thatsocd #iocdf #ocdawarenessweek by @iocdf

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OCD loves certainty. Relationships don't exactly come with a certainty guarantee.

For someone experiencing relationship-related OCD, doubts about a relationship can become consuming, followed by compulsions like checking feelings, comparing relationships, seeking reassurance, or analyzing what every thought or emotion “means.”

The topic may change, but the cycle of obsession → distress → compulsion → temporary relief can keep someone stuck. #ThatsOCD

You don't have to navigate that cycle alone.

Looking for an OCD treatment provider? 👉 iocdf.org/find-help
Prefer to learn at your own pace? Browse books and other media. 👉 iocdf.org/books (link in bio) Blue poster for International OCD Foundation's OCD Awareness Week with the text: "What if I don't actually love my partner?" and a decorative swirl. Hashtag #THATSOCD at the bottom. by @iocdf

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If you’ve ever struggled with your mental health, read this…👇

In honor of OCD Awareness Week, I’m sharing this reported essay I wrote for LA Times in May.

It’s one of my most vulnerable pieces that talks about how Noah Kahan revealed his OCD diagnosis, his battle to find the right support and my own difficult experiences with the disorder.

I wanted to talk about the darkest parts of OCD as someone who has struggled with it for years, similar to Kahan.

There were a number of factors that led to my delayed diagnosis, including shame and fear of being judged. From a young age, I also didn’t feel safe sharing my emotions, so I hid them, which led to more isolation.

I realize now that sharing our stories can help us heal but also inform and empower others to get support.

I hope this article helps others dealing with these symptoms feel to less like they are the only ones, that it’s okay to talk about it, and to know there is effective treatment available.

Thanks to my editors for letting me share this story and report on this important topic.

For this piece, I talked with experts @panicandanxiety and @alegrakastens.

I also shared research from @iocdf on the symptoms and why delayed diagnosis can be harmful if left untreated. This issue is underreported and severely under diagnosed.

🙏🏻 If you’re struggling right now, I see you. You are never alone and there is support.

To look for OCD specialists in your area by going to IOCDF website and search the “find help” section.

If you’re in crisis and need immediate assistance call or text @988lifeline for 24/7 support.

❤️ Save this, repost and share to spread awareness on OCD and to normalize talking about mental health.

🔗 Drop the word HEALTH to read the full article and I’ll send it to you.

👉 Follow me to join our community for more support and to stay informed — from a writer, journalist and advocate.

#writingcommunityofinstagram #noahkahan #mentalhealthawareness #fyp #ocd by @iocdf

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OCD affects millions worldwide. This #OCDWeek, we’re teaming up with @iocdf to share how you can support people living with OCD and help end the stigma.

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Note: MHC does not provide medical advice; this content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or other qualified health professional with any concerns. Experiencing a mental health crisis? Call or text 988 to reach 988 Lifeline. by @iocdf

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Contamination fears may be one of the more recognizable presentations of OCD, but the impact can go far beyond washing your hands.

For a child with OCD, symptoms can interfere with school, friendships, family life, and simply getting to be a kid.

New IOCDF research found that 0.74% of children and adolescents were identified as having OCD, despite an expected prevalence of up to 3%.

Behind those numbers are real kids and families.

"My older brother was diagnosed with OCD when I was five years old. So, for as long as I can remember, OCD has been an unwelcome member of our family. First, he asked questions repeatedly, asking for various reassurances, but we had no idea that it was a sign of OCD." – Ella Kim

That's why recognizing OCD and connecting families with appropriate care matters. #ThatsOCD

Read Losing Childhood to America's OCD Care Crisis and explore pediatric OCD resources 👉 iocdf.org/kidscarecrisis (link in bio) A blue poster with the text: "What if I touched something contaminated and get someone sick?" It displays the International OCD Foundation and OCD Awareness Week logos, along with the hashtag #THATSOCD at the bottom. by @iocdf

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October 11–17 is OCD Awareness Week. Last Thursday, October 8th, board members Mackenzie Reed and Dr. Kathy Rupertus had the opportunity to join @coastlifetv to share more about OCD and OCD Awareness Week.

This was our first in-person interview as an organization, and such an honor to be able to share about our efforts ahead of a week that means so much to those living with or impacted by the disorder.

Thank you @wrdetv for this opportunity and to share about the impact that OCD can have on individuals throughout the state. Each night this week, Legislative Hall and the Indian River Inlet Bridge will be illuminated in teal in recognition of OCD.

More information about 2026 OCD Awareness Week efforts can be found at iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek 💙

Seeing our organization come together over the last two years has been a reminder that, no matter how difficult OCD may be, there is always hope. This is one of those reminders that makes it all feel worth it.

@IOCDF
#OCDAwarenessWeek
#Hope

#OCD #OCDRecovery #OCDAwareness #ERP #ExposureTherapy #IOCDF #OCDDelaware taken in CoastTV News by @iocdf

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Sometimes there isn't a specific feared catastrophe.

Sometimes it simply feels wrong until it's done again.

A child might rewrite something, repeat an action, reread a sentence, arrange something, or start over until they get that elusive “just right” feeling. OCD can begin as early as childhood, with one common age of onset between 7 and 12 years old.

Kids with OCD deserve opportunities to meet other kids who understand.

"Because I received effective support from several therapists at an early age, I came to understand that OCD is ego-dystonic, meaning it causes intrusive thoughts and obsessions that conflict with a person’s true values, morals, and sense of self.” – Julia Hyman

Online OCD Camp returns Winter 2027! This virtual event is designed for youth ages 6-17 and their families, with interactive programming for elementary, middle, and high schoolers, plus sessions for parents and guardians 👉 https://events.iocdf.org/event/Camp27/summary (link in bio) Blue poster promoting OCD Awareness Week, organized by the International OCD Foundation, with the text: "What if I didn't do that exactly right?" and the hashtag #THATSOCD at the bottom. by @iocdf

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💙 YESTERDAY, WARSAW LIT UP FOR OCD AWARENESS!

October 11, 2026, was a truly special day for me. A day that showed just how much we can achieve when we come together for something bigger than ourselves 💙

🚶‍♂️ First, we walked through the streets of Warsaw during the OCD Walk, raising awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, challenging misconceptions, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

🏛️ And in the evening, something extraordinary happened.

Warsaw's iconic Palace of Culture and Science lit up TEAL to mark the beginning of OCD Awareness Week (October 11–17).

But this was about so much more than lighting up a building.

Behind those teal lights are the stories of people who have suffered in silence for years. People who were afraid to speak about their intrusive thoughts. People who have experienced shame, misunderstanding, and loneliness.

OCD IS NOT A JOKE. It's not about being neat or organized. It's a real and often debilitating mental health condition that deserves understanding, compassion, and access to evidence-based treatment.

💙 From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to everyone who joined the walk, donated to our fundraiser, shared our campaign, or helped make this incredible moment possible.

Because of YOU, one of Poland's most recognizable landmarks shone for millions of people living with OCD around the world 🌍

SHAME DIES WHEN STORIES ARE TOLD IN SAFE SPACES.

May those teal lights remind us that our stories matter, our voices deserve to be heard, and OCD awareness should never be limited to just one week a year.

This is more than awareness. This is a movement.

📲 Share this Reel and help us spread the message even further!

#OCDAwarenessWeek #OCDAwareness #OCDIsNotAJoke #OCDWalk #intrusiveOCDmemes by @iocdf

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