Welcome to OCD Awareness Week 2021!
The IOCDF and its Advocates invite you to celebrate OCD Awareness Week, October 10–16!
#OCDWeek began in 2009 to share knowledge and reduce stigma around OCD and related disorders. Each year in October, community groups, service organizations, and clinics around the world celebrate with OCD-inspired educational talks, art exhibits, grassroots fundraisers, and more.
This year, the IOCDF has multiple ways for you to get involved. Click on the buttons below to see what we have planned and how you can get involved!
#ChalkItUpToValues on Social Media
Our IOCDF Advocates invite all members of the OCD and related disorders community to participate in a social media challenge to share what motivates you to conquer OCD! Through this, we hope to highlight the importance of living a value-driven life when confronting OCD, while also educating the public about the realities of living with the disorder.
Values-Inspired Social Media Challenge
To participate, follow these easy steps:
- Take a photo or video of something you value that motivates you to face your OCD; or
- Use chalk to write or draw what you value, and take a picture of it!
- Share on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter, tag @IOCDF, and include the hashtags #OCDWeek and #ChalkItUpToValues in your post.
(If you’re feeling extra inspired, tag one or more friends and ask them to take the challenge with you!)
Shareable #OCDWeek Graphics
#OCDWeek Events and Programs
The IOCDF hosts a number of programs and special events to celebrate #OCDWeek. Here's what we have in store!
Virtual Paint Night
Monday, October 11th, 7-8:30pm ET
Hang out with IOCDF Advocates and others in the OCD community at this virtual paint night, led by artist Kali Wallace. The emphasis will be on having fun and relaxing with community members as Kali provides step-by-step instructions for the group! This event will be accessible by Zoom, and registration will open soon. Sign up for #OCDWeek updates to be notified when it does!
Get #OCDweek updates!
Virtual Voices for Mental Health
Tuesday, October 12th, 12-1pm ET
Join us for a virtual lunch-and-learn that will help prepare you to be an effective advocate for key mental health legislation. IOCDF Advocates will share how they used their stories to enact policy advocacy. This event will stream live on our YouTube and Facebook platforms. No registration required. We hope to see you there!
Live Q&A with IOCDF Advocates Liz & Chris
Young Adult Meetup
Wednesday, October 13, 8-10pm ET
Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to meet other members of their age group who have OCD! Hear stories from others who are either in treatment or have been in treatment.
There will be breakout chats for high school grads, college and graduate students, young professionals, and young adult members of the LGBTQIA community. Have fun and make lasting connections!
This event will be accessible by Zoom, and registration will open soon. Sign up for #OCDWeek updates to be notified when it does!
OCDare to Share
Thursday, October 14th, all day
We are challenging you to step out of your comfort zone to raise OCD awareness right in your community--one day, for one hour.
OCDare to Share is a casual get-together to start a conversation about OCD in your community. You choose a place to meet in your community. (And while we've chosen Thursday, you can choose the day and time that works best for you!)
Registration not required, but there will be a PDF how-to guide shared to this page, soon. Sign up for #OCDWeek updates to be notified when it's posted!
Virtual Town Hall: Special #OCDWeek Edition
#OCDWeek Film Fest Friday
Friday, October 15th, time TBD
Get your popcorn ready for our #OCDWeek Film Fest on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube! IOCDF National Advocate Ethan Smith will be streaming films. Stick around for Q&A with the directors. RSVP not required. Sign up for #OCDWeek updates to be notified when an event time is shared. We hope to see you there!
If you have a short film about OCD and would like to submit it for consideration, please fill out this form.
Instagram Live Partner Takeover
Saturday, October 16th, Times TBD
IOCDF Resource Partners are taking over our Instagram account via a series of IG Lives! Tune in to hear from and ask questions of the folks at 2020 Mom, The TLC Foundation, Picking Me Foundation, and One Mind PsyberGuide. We'll also a special guest from the Tourette Association of America (TAA) join us.
The IOCDF is proud to partner with these trusted organizations whose work aligns with our mission to improve the lives of those affected by OCD and related disorders.
RSVP not required, but be sure to sign up for #OCDWeek updates to be notified when start times are shared.
Find an event in your community
Our nationwide Affiliates organize events all around the country. To find a local #OCDWeek event year you, check our calendar at iocdf.org/calendar.
Don’t see an event near you? Start one! Host an open mic night, organize a pizza fundraiser, arrange to speak at a local school or university, or just make it your mission to be a social media advocate for the week. We want you to be part of this!
To have a new event added to our calendar, fill out our online event submission form.
Help spread the word!
Social media is a great way to spread awareness about OCD and related disorders. During OCD Awareness Week, there are a number of ways you can get involved online. In addition to participating in this year's #ChalkItUpToValues social media challenge, we invite you to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, share our posts, and help us spread awareness in other ways:
