
OCD Awareness Week (#OCDweek) is a worldwide event that serves to dispel myths about obsessive compulsive disorder, break the stigma around mental illness, and provide education about the disorder and how to support those affected. For the over 200 million people worldwide living with OCD, public misconception can prevent them from accessing the timely, effective treatment they need to move from suffering to thriving. This #OCDweek, whether you share facts, tell your own story, or otherwise support OCD Awareness Week, you are making a powerful difference.
Want to get involved? Here's how!
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OCD Awareness Week Hub: Start here—key info, shareable graphics, and rolling updates to plan your part.
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Host an Event or Fundraiser: Plan one—step-by-step guide, tips, and calendar submission to spotlight your effort.
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Share Your Story with Media: Tell your story—pitch template, training deck, and outreach tips to land local coverage.
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Light It Up Teal: Illuminate your city—venue contacts, scripts, and request forms for landmark lighting.
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Join #TogetherAgainstOCD: Mobilize online—daily post prompts and assets to rally your networks.
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Walk Around the World (Oct 18): Join the movement—register, fundraise, and connect via WhatsApp.
#TogetherAgainstOCD
#TogetherAgainstOCD Prompts
Shareable OCD Facts
Share the graphics on your social media using the hashtag #OCDweek and tagging @iocdf to help dispel public misconceptions about OCD! Click to open the graphics below and then right-click and Save Image As to download. Graphics are also available in Spanish, Polish, Portuguese and German. Click here to access the social graphic translations.
Make sure to follow us on social media and tag @iocdf when sharing graphics and facts about OCD.
Shining a Light for OCD Awareness
Each year during OCD Awareness Week, buildings, bridges, and structures around the world light up teal for OCD Awareness Week. This lighting campaign helps to bring increased recognition to the realities of OCD and each shining monument serves as a beacon of hope to those impacted and their families and support systems. Click here to explore our step-by-step guide and see how you can help light up approved landmarks in your community. See the full list of landmarks lit teal during 2025 OCD Awareness Week
Walk Around the World
Saturday, October 18
Join our global day of action for anyone registered for the OCD Community Walk. Wherever you are, take a walk in your neighborhood or favorite park, share photos, and tag @iocdf to be featured. Registrants receive event updates, fundraising tips, and a link to our WhatsApp group to connect with walkers worldwide. Register for the OCD Community Walk.
Educate Yourself
OCD is a debilitating mental disorder that affects 1 in 40 adults in their lifetime and 1 in 100 children but is often overlooked and belittled as a personality quirk or choice. In reality, OCD is a very real disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life.
Access Resources
Do you think you might have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? Use our OCD screening tool to help determine if you (or a loved one) are experiencing OCD symptoms. Its confidential, quick, and free!
Contact elected officials about the issues
This #OCDweek, educate yourself on the latest information about bills in the US Congress that support the needs of the OCD and related disorders community. Your representatives and senators are considering these changes to public policy, and they need to hear from you about why they are so critical.
Make a difference by contacting your local officials about the issues important to you!
Pitch your local media about OCD Awareness
This #OCDWeek, help your community understand OCD by pitching your story or expertise to local media. Use our Media Training Deck (linked) to sharpen talking points and on-camera tips, and our Pitch Guide (linked) to identify outlets, craft a compelling email, and follow up effectively.
Make a difference by contacting reporters and editors in your area today and asking them to cover OCD Awareness Week.
OCD Awareness Events Calendar
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Light It Up for OCD Awareness Week
Each year during OCD Awareness Week, buildings, bridges, and structures around the world light up teal for OCD Awareness Week. This lighting campaign helps to bring increased recognition to the... Read more »
1 event,
2 events,
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Getting Help and Support for Recovery | OCD CT
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Getting Help and Support for Recovery | OCD CT
In celebration of International OCD Awareness Week, Sacred Heart University’s Human Journey Colloquia 2025 Series presents “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Getting Help and Support for Recovery.” This free and public event will feature... Read more »
1 event,
2 events,
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Screening at Moviemento Linz, Austria
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Screening at Moviemento Linz, Austria
Eric Schirl and Christian Kogler examine OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) as a coping strategy and explore the human dilemma of uncertainty. In four chapters and in talks with people in... Read more »
3 events,
OCD Texas Symposium & Mental Health Fair
OCD Texas Symposium & Mental Health Fair
Join OCD Texas at the Norris Conference Center in San Antonio, TX, for the OCD Texas Symposium. We are excited to offer two tracks: for community members with OCD and... Read more »
Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk Presents “Igniting Willpower: Separating Fact from Fiction in Motivation!” A Free Event!
Dr. Nathaniel Van Kirk Presents “Igniting Willpower: Separating Fact from Fiction in Motivation!” A Free Event!
Every second Saturday of the month, from 11am to 1pm PDT, Chris Trondsen, LMFT, and Liz Trondsen host a virtual, free, Family & Loved Ones OCD Support Group. For the... Read more »
3 events,
OCD as Neurodivergence? A Clinical Shift
Psicología al Sur, one of the largest psychology festivals in Latin America, will take place this October in Buenos Aires, bringing together thousands of students, clinicians, researchers, and community members... Read more »
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Screening at Moviemento Linz, Austria
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Screening at Moviemento Linz, Austria
Eric Schirl and Christian Kogler examine OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) as a coping strategy and explore the human dilemma of uncertainty. In four chapters and in talks with people in... Read more »
7 events,
FOR ALL I KNOW – Award-Winning Short Film About OCD (Online Premiere)
FOR ALL I KNOW – Award-Winning Short Film About OCD (Online Premiere)
An unexpected visit from her estranged daughter throws a pharmacist with OCD into a maelstrom of her darkest fears. As a buried history c postpartum intrusive thoughts resurfaces, she faces... Read more »
MOM TALK
MOM TALK
During OCD Awareness week, the Moms with OCD Special Interest Group is hosting two groups for moms to meet other moms with OCD and connect! October 13: 1- 2 EST... Read more »
Pizza and Screening of Anxiety Club movie
Pizza and Screening of Anxiety Club movie
We’re hosting a special evening of Dinner & a Movie, featuring the film The Anxiety Club followed by a community discussion. Plus, enjoy a free pizza dinner from Lefty’s Pizza! This event is brought... Read more »
2 events,
OCD Kansas & I-CBT SIG Collaboration
OCD Kansas & I-CBT SIG Collaboration
The I-CBT SIG (Special Interest Group) is joining OCD Kansas to share information about I-CBT with you during OCD Awareness Week!
5 events,
OCD, Evidence-Based Treatment & Lived Experience
OCD, Evidence-Based Treatment & Lived Experience
📅 Wednesday, October 15, 2025 🕘 9:00–9:50 am (Pacific) 💻 Hosted live on Zoom During this 50-minute event, Dr. Marisa T. Mazza will share: An overview of evidence-based treatments for... Read more »
Public Policy Tutorial and Phone Zap
Public Policy Tutorial and Phone Zap
Turn your passion into action. Join our Public Policy Tutorial and Phone Zap to advocate for the OCD community. This event is easy, fun, and empowering for advocates of all... Read more »
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Starmovie Ried im Innkreis Tumeltsham, Austria
Throw Your Heart into the Sea | Starmovie Ried im Innkreis Tumeltsham, Austria
Eric Schirl and Christian Kogler examine OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) as a coping strategy and explore the human dilemma of uncertainty. In four chapters and in talks with people in... Read more »
5 events,
Conference Ready! Early Career and Student Workshop presented by IOCDF and ADAA
Conference Ready! Early Career and Student Workshop presented by IOCDF and ADAA
Conference Ready! Early Career and Student Workshop presented by IOCDF and ADAA October 16th at noon EST (60 minutes) Early-career researcher or student preparing for a conference presentation? This workshop... Read more »
Free Bocce Ball Meet-up!
Free Bocce Ball Meet-up!
Join us for a fun, free evening of bocce ball, connection, and community in honor of OCD Awareness Week! This event is for anyone in the OCD community of Northern... Read more »
Meet the Author & Panel Discussion Featuring How to Hide in Plain Sight, a novel exploring love, family and OCD
Meet the Author & Panel Discussion Featuring How to Hide in Plain Sight, a novel exploring love, family and OCD
In celebration of OCD awareness week, join OCDCSFL and the IOCDF Young Adult Special Interest Group for a special Meet the Author and panel discussion featuring How to Hide in... Read more »
3 events,
First Annual Mid-Atlantic OCD Conference
First Annual Mid-Atlantic OCD Conference
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/events/event/first-annual-mid-atlantic-ocd-conference/2025-10-17/ Join Sheppard Pratt and OCD Mid-Atlantic on Friday, October 17, 2025 for the First Annual Mid-Atlantic OCD Conference, a free hybrid conference all about OCD. Attend in person in... Read more »
Practice Building and Program Development group meeting
Practice Building and Program Development group meeting
The Practice Building and Program Development group meeting is on Friday, October 17th at 9:00 a.m. PST / 12:00 p.m. EST Join every third Friday for 60 minutes of consultation, support, and networking among... Read more »
3 events,
Awareness and Change in OCD & Hoarding Disorder
Awareness and Change in OCD & Hoarding Disorder
"Awareness and Change in OCD and Hoarding Disorder" Travis Osborne, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Director, Director of the Anxiety Center, Co-Director of Research and Outcomes Monitoring, Evidence Based Treatment Centers of... Read more »
MonsterFest | Finding Light in the Darkness
MonsterFest | Finding Light in the Darkness
In honor of the last day of OCD Awareness Week and Halloween month, we'll explore our creativity by writing about the world without or the world within (either one with... Read more »
2 events,
Boston Young Adult OCD Meetup
Boston Young Adult OCD Meetup
Join us for our first ever Young Adult Meetup event for individuals with OCD to connect and meet others with lived experience who live in Boston and the surrounding areas.... Read more »
1 event,
Stanford OCD Awareness Webinar on AI, Psychedelics, & ERP
Stanford OCD Awareness Webinar on AI, Psychedelics, & ERP
OCD Awareness Week Gathering: Dinner, Hybrid Panel Presentations, Q&A, Support, Education Monday, October 20, 5:30 – 8:30 pm Center for Academic Medicine, Grand Rounds Room 453 Quarry Rd, Stanford +... Read more »