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
You can also show your support for #OCDWeek by sharing graphics about OCD and/or sharing or retweeting IOCDF's Facebook, Instagram or Twitter social posts.
#OCDWeek Events and Programs
The IOCDF hosts a number of programs and special events to celebrate #OCDWeek. Here's what we have in store!
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! Get details and register!
Get #OCDweek updates!
Virtual Voices for Mental Health
Tuesday, October 12th, 12-1pm ET
Want to get more involved in mental health policy advocacy? You don’t have to be a policy expert–just an expert in how the issues impact you.
Join us for a virtual lunch-and-learn that will help prepare you to be an effective advocate for key mental health legislation. Activist and mental health advocate Vinay Krishnan will share how to use your story to enact policy.
This event will stream live on our YouTube and Facebook platforms. Registration not required. (Eager to get started? Visit IOCDF’s Action Center.)
Live Q&A with Advocates Liz & Chris
#OCDWeek Advocate Roundtable: The Future of OCD Treatment
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! Get details and register!
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. Join the entire community in spreading awareness by hosting an OCDare to Share event.
OCDare to Share is a casual get-together to start a conversation about OCD in your community. We have put everything together for you to host a successful and meaning event. All you need to do is download our host guide, choose a place to meet in your community, and invite those around you to come. And while we've chosen Thursday, you can choose the day and time that works best for you! Get your Host Guide Now!
Town Hall: Special #OCDWeek Edition
#OCDWeek Film Fest Friday
Friday, October 15th, 8-10pm EST
Tune in for a special #OCDWeek short-film streaming about obsessive-compulsive disorder, followed by a live Q&A with the directors. IOCDF National Advocate Ethan Smith and Filmmaker Gabe Wilson (Clean) will stream films and lead the discussion live on our Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube platforms. RSVP not required. We hope to see you there!
Bengal (2021) An up-and-coming boxer is forced to abandon his promising young career after a public breakdown as a result of his OCD. Now, a couple years later, he is back after earning his spot in a world title fight with undefeated champion, Billy "Wild Child" Tanner. Will he have what it takes to surmount OCD and become champion in the ring—and in life? Filmmaker: Brian Yuran
Sky (2019) A young pianist finds refuge from the tangles of his OCD through music. After meeting a new girl at school, Ben writes a beautiful, free-flowing piano composition. When Ben's music teacher advises that he play the piece during his audition for a prestigious music conservatory, he begins to obsess over its quality. His increasingly rigid approach to music destroys his only source of relief from mental anguish, and jeopardizes his relationships. Filmmaker: Lance Childers
For Want of a Nail (2018) Meet Marty, a young man dealing with life, loss, and love . . . oh, and he has OCD. As the walls of Marty’s mind begin to close in on him and his “Perfect” day, we realize the subconscious sacrifices he makes to keep his anxiety at bay. Writer: Nicholas Thomson | Director: Lucy Joan Barnes | Producer: Ali Causon
#OCDWeek Instagram Live: Partner Takeover
Saturday, October 16th, 4:15-5:15pm ET
IOCDF Resource Partners are taking over our Instagram account! Hear from -- and ask questions of -- the folks at 2020 Mom, Picking Me Foundation, and One Mind PsyberGuide. We'll also have some special guests from the Tourette Association of America (TAA) join us. RSVP not required--just tune in on Instagram!
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.
- 4:15 - 4:30pm ET: One Mind PsyberGuide
- 4:30 - 4:45pm ET: 2020 Mom
- 4:45 - 5:00pm ET: Tourette Association of America (TAA)
- 5:00 - 5:15pm ET: Picking Me Foundation
Find an #OCDWeek 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:
