Curated Guide for Individuals Diagnosed with OCD
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with OCD for years, this guide is designed to help you feel seen, understood, and supported. Here, you’ll find practical tools, insights, and encouragement to navigate your journey and take meaningful steps toward healing.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re here, it likely means you—or someone you trust—has taken the courageous step to seek clarity, support, and hope in navigating life with OCD. That alone is a powerful start. We know this journey can feel overwhelming at times, but please know: you are not alone. Connect 4 OCD was created to walk alongside you—offering tools, resources, and community to help you better understand your experience and move forward with confidence and support. You deserve compassion, clarity, and care, and we’re here to help you find it.
Understanding OCD
OCD is often misunderstood, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments. This section breaks down the basics of OCD, why specialized care is essential, and what steps to take after a diagnosis.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, understanding OCD is the first step toward effective management and recovery.
WHAT IS OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions) that cause significant anxiety and disrupt daily life. Affecting an estimated 2-3% of Canadians, many face years of misunderstanding and limited access to care. We’re dedicated to raising awareness and improving support.
WHY DO PEOPLE WITH OCD NEED A SPECIALIST?
OCD is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires targeted, evidence-based treatment. Specialists trained in OCD understand the nuances of the disorder and can provide therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is considered the gold standard. Without proper expertise, OCD can be misdiagnosed or improperly treated, leading to increased distress and prolonged suffering. A qualified OCD specialist can help individuals break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions with the right tools and support.
YOU’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED. NOW WHAT?
Whether you’re new to the world of OCD or noticing signs in a loved one, know that you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way. Educating yourself is crucial, but this step can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to empower you on your journey.
- Learn About OCD
- Connect with a Qualified Professional
- Seek Support
- Utilize Live Webinars
- Prioritize Self-Care
- Early Intervention
Our Top Self-Help Recommendations for Individuals Diagnosed with OCD
Reliable support and expert guidance can make all the difference in managing OCD. Whether you’re seeking expert-led therapy, community support, or educational resources, these trusted organizations provide invaluable help. From connecting with licensed specialists to accessing evidence-based treatments and peer communities, these resources are here to support you on your journey with OCD.
International OCD Foundation
This is your most trusted resource for OCD, collaborating with top specialists, listing trained clinicians, hosting two annual conferences (one in-person, one online), and offering a kids’ camp. The IOCDF is essential for anyone struggling with or seeking to understand OCD.
Made of Millions
This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting individuals with OCD, particularly those struggling with intrusive thoughts. It fosters open discussions on sensitive topics like harm and sexual-based thoughts, providing a safe and understanding space.
NOCD
NOCD connects individuals with licensed OCD therapists, offering expert guidance and accessible support, including therapy services in Canada. Their innovative approach empowers people on the path to recovery.
The Canadian Institute for OCD
The CIOCD aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of evidence-based treatments for OCD in Canada and beyond while recognizing the urgent need for effective assessment and resources.
Stop Obsessing!: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions
If you or someone you love suffers from these symptoms, you may be one of the millions of people who suffer from some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Once considered almost untreatable, OCD is now known to be a highly treatable disorder using behaviour therapy. Authors share their scientifically based and clinically proven self-help program that has already allowed thousands of people with OCD to enjoy a life free from excessive worries and rituals.
Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty
There are few people who understand OCD and how it’s treated as well as Dr. Grayson, a nationally recognized expert who has worked with people struggling with OCD for more than four decades. His is a must-read book if either you or a loved one has OCD. It contains everything from Dr. Grayson’s own research into OCD themes to assessments and tools for you and a specialty-trained therapist to use during treatment.
The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Combining mindfulness practices with CBT, The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD offers practical and accessible tools for managing the unwanted thoughts and compulsive urges that are associated with OCD. With this workbook, you will develop present-moment awareness, learn to challenge your own distorted thinking, and stop treating thoughts as threats and feelings as facts.
The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD: Lean into Your Fear, Manage Difficult Emotions, and Focus On Recovery
Outlines a step-by-step program to help you understand the emotional experience of OCD, and develop the tools you need to manage your disorder and build a better life. Drawing on a powerful combination of CBT, ERP, and CFT, this breakthrough guide will teach you how to balance intense emotions, lean into your fear, and focus on recovery.
The OCD Stories
The OCD Stories podcast offers insights and interviews with experts and individuals, helping listeners feel understood and empowered to manage OCD.
Your Anxiety Toolkit
A calming, mindfulness-based podcast offering gentle guidance and education for those seeking relief from OCD, anxiety, depression, and related disorders.
Get to Know OCD
Join Dr. Patrick McGrath weekly for inspiring OCD stories, practical insights, and expert tips to help listeners understand and manage OCD. A podcast by NOCD.
Jenna Overbaugh
Jenna Overbaugh, LPC, is an OCD and anxiety specialist providing online courses, therapy, and a podcast to empower effective self-management.
OCD and Anxiety Online
OCD and Anxiety Online provides self-paced courses by therapist Nathan Peterson, offering practical tools to manage OCD and anxiety from home.
CBT School
CBT School, led by therapist Kimberley Quinlan, provides on-demand courses and resources for managing anxiety and OCD through science-based strategies and support.
Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne
Stick with the Ick is an inclusive virtual community welcoming individuals, clinicians, and clergy navigating the intersection of faith and OCD. With a variety of resources spanning diverse religious/spiritual traditions—including webinars, consultations, courses, support groups, and motivational forums—everyone is welcome.
Support Groups
SUPPORT GROUPS / FORUMS & ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Connection is at the heart of healing. Our community hub is here to help you find support, share experiences, and feel less alone on your OCD journey. Whether you’re looking for peer connection, events, or ways to get involved, this is your space to engage, learn, and grow together.
Finding Treatment
Accessing the right treatment is crucial for managing OCD, but knowing where to start can be challenging. This section provides an overview of evidence-based treatment options, including therapy and medication, as well as a directory of doctors and treatment centers to help you find specialized care.
You’re Not Alone
While the journey can be daunting, you have support.
Together, we can navigate OCD and empower each other along the way.
Connect With The Community
Stay Connected
Join us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed and inspired! Follow for the latest updates, helpful resources, and uplifting stories as we work together to raise awareness and support for those navigating OCD.
