OCD Support Groups
The first line treatments for OCD are medication and psychological therapy. However, you can supplement these treatments by attending an OCD support group. These support groups can be useful in a number of ways:
- Discuss medication (if allowed)
- Hear other people’s experience of psychological treatments
- Learn new techniques to handle anxiety
- Feel understood, as other members have the same condition
- Receive emotional support
- Can reduce loneliness
You don’t need to be officially diagnosed as having OCD to attend these support groups, so if you think you have OCD but are not sure, then attending these support groups may give you a clue, but I strongly recommend getting an official diagnosis.
These support groups are not just for OCD sufferers; they can also be attended by family members of the person who has OCD. This could be helpful, because sometimes family members can unknowingly sabotage the person’s recovery. For example, the family member could provide reassurance that the contaminated object is not dirty, and while this will reduce the OCD person’s anxiety in that moment, it makes the condition worse in the long run, because the brain doesn’t get to learn that the contamination ‘danger’ is false.
Go back to the sections on the brain, conscious mind and subconscious mind for a more detailed explanation about how avoiding anxiety in the short run actually makes it worse in the long run.
Support groups can be split into two types. The first are where you physically attend. The second are ones that are done online.
Where you physically attend
Option 1
A legend in the world of OCD support groups is a chap called Stephen Hosking. His support groups are so good that the Guardian have published an article about them:
He runs OCD support groups in London, Oxford, Portsmouth and Eastleigh.
I used to go the London one (based in central London), and found it very useful. Stephen is very understanding, and a really nice bloke. I only stopped going because I didn't need it anymore. But, if you have recently been diagnosed with OCD, or you have become stuck in your recovery, then I recommend you go. Only for adults.
Stephen prefers to be contacted by either text or email:
Mob: 07976 726803
Email: Stephen.hosking@btinternet.com
Option 2
London OCD/Intrusive Thoughts Support Group. I have never been to this support group, so can't say if it's good or not. It’s also based in Central London and only for 18–40 year olds.
Email: ocdgrouplondon@gmail.com
Website: Meetup page
The format of these physical support groups tend to go like this:
- They take place in the evening, so that people who go to work during the day can attend. The typical start time is around 7pm, and the typical end time is around 9pm.
- At the start the facilitator/organiser makes some brief announcements, such as where the toilets are located, and also the ground rules for the group, such as the need to treat everyone with respect, etc.
- Then the facilitator/organiser goes around the room and asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves, by providing their name, how long they have had OCD, and what kind of OCD type they suffer from (e.g. contamination, symmetry etc). You don't have to introduce yourself if it is going to be too much for you, you can just say 'pass'. The facilitator/organiser is quite understanding.
- Then the facilitator/organiser opens up the floor by asking if anyone has an issue they would like to raise, so that the other people in the group can give advice or suggestions. Everyone is non-judgemental, so you don't need to feel embarrassed, and there is a chance that those other people have had the same issue in the past, so they can potentially offer you solutions.
- The support groups are run on a weekly or a fortnightly basis. You don't have to attend every session, you drop in and out as much as you like, although of course, if you go regularly, you will get more benefit.
- Some support groups ask for a donation for each session, to help cover the cost of hiring the room. The donation amount is normally quite small, maybe one or two pounds. If you genuinely can't afford it, then some support groups allow you not to pay. Contact them to enquire about the payment situation before you attend the first session.
Online Support Groups
Online groups are open to anyone, but are especially useful to people who are unable to leave their home due to contamination fears, or perhaps leaving the home is too time consuming, due to the need to overly check they have locked the door, or physical support groups are not available in their area.
There are two OCD charities in the UK and they both have online support groups:
OCD Action Online Groups
OCD UK Online Groups
The two charities suggest that CBT is the best psychological treatment for OCD, and so this will be reflected, to some extent, on their online support groups. Be respectful if you come across a post that endorses CBT, even though you know that CBT doesn't cure OCD. To learn why it does not cure OCD, or to refresh your memory, click on the page about CBT in the menu.
Also, as the people posting on the online support groups are anonymous (you can just make up a username), they are more likely to mention the more horrible thoughts that they get. So, you are more likely to come across thoughts that shock you.
The next section is on medication – please click the below button.