13/10/2026
OCD AWARENESS WEEK - 12–18 OCTOBER
"I'm so OCD about that." It's a phrase that so many of us have flippantly used to describe being tidy, organised or particular about something.
The thing is that OCD is not a personality quirk and it's not simply liking things clean.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where someone experiences obsessions, unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, urges or doubts that can cause significant anxiety or distress.
This can lead to repetitive behaviours or acts that someone feels driven to perform, often in an attempt to reduce that anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. They might include repeatedly checking something, washing, seeking reassurance, avoiding certain situations, repeating words or actions, mentally reviewing events, counting, or trying to "neutralise" a frightening thought.
It can be utterly exhausting for someone living with OCD as the cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety and compulsions can take up enormous amounts of time and energy.
People may also hide what they're experiencing because they're frightened of being judged or misunderstood and that's why awareness matters.
This OCD Awareness Week we want you to know that support and effective treatment are available.
Speak to your GP if you're concerned about symptoms of OCD. In England, you can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies in many areas without speaking to a GP first.
Treatments for OCD can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly CBT involving exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication may also be recommended for some people.
Organisations such as www.ocduk.org and www.ocdaction.org.uk also provide information and support for people affected by OCD.