Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Tim_HSenior Contributor
Hi All,
During OCD Awareness Week I wanted to ask everyone what's one or two things you'd like people to know about living with OCD?
For me it's that the intrusive thoughts and anxiety are constant, there is no downtime.
I'd also like people to know about 'incidentals'. When your environment etc. leads to new obsessive thoughts/anxiety. It's so frustrating and isolating.
In response to: OCD Awareness Week
AinjouleSenior Contributor
Hey @Tim_H
Interesting thread. I guess I wonder from people who have OCD is there anything I can do to help ease the anxiety when interacting with someone who has OCD?
In response to: Re: OCD Awareness Week
Unknown userMember
@Tim_H @Ainjoule
For people to understand it’s not something we just do. The repetition of things we just have to do them. It’s not fake or put on. It’s a compulsion from deep within. Trying to fight against it causes anxiety, panic
In response to: OCD Awareness Week
Brena74Contributor
Thank you for raising awareness about OCD and OCD awareness week which barely gets a mention. There is not enough awareness, funding or treatment options in Australia for such a debilitating disorder. Spread the word. @Dahlia100
In response to: Re: OCD Awareness Week
Tim_HSenior Contributor
Thank you for your response @Ainjoule.
I think wanting to help the person with OCD reduce their anxiety is the natural response of a caring person.
However with the treatment for OCD being to increase the anxiety and prevent the response (ERP), helping somebody to reduce/avoid anxiety can keep the OCD going.
Helping the person with OCD 'remain in doubt' or 'remain anxious' and not providing reassurance would be really helpful.
In response to: Re: OCD Awareness Week
Tim_HSenior Contributor
Thanks for your reply @Brena74. My pleasure! I agree you seem to only hear the term 'OCD' when it's being used incorrectly. Those suffering still struggle to receive proper understanding/support
In response to: Re: OCD Awareness Week
Tim_HSenior Contributor
I agree @Former-Member. The anxiety etc. that drives compulsions seems to be misunderstood. It would be nice if people understood how hard it is to resist making some type of response
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
