Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is best described as a mental health problem involving uncontrollable obsessions that can lead to compulsive behaviors. In severe cases, OCD can interfere with many aspects of life, including relationships and responsibilities.
Medication and therapy are among the most common treatment options for people with OCD. Support groups, whether in person or online, can also be a helpful reminder that they are not alone.
Read on to learn more about what support groups for people living with OCD have to offer and if they are a good option for you.
OCD support groups offer people the opportunity to attend regular meetings with other people living with OCD.
These meetings are seen as a safe space where people with similar experiences can support each other. It can help reduce feelings of loneliness and create a sense of community.
In-person support groups for OCD are the most conventional, but online platforms are also an option. Many online platforms offer chat rooms, live video meetings, and text-based chatrooms, depending on your level of comfort and privacy.
To select the best online support groups for OCD, we took into account important factors, such as:
- privacy
- accessibility
- friendliness
Generally, anyone can join and view online support groups for free, so it is essential that members who seek help can maintain their privacy.
We also looked at reviews to find groups with the most satisfied users.
Better to chat for free
7 cups
- Price: Free and paid options
Those looking for free online assistance may find themselves chatting with a qualified volunteer on 7 Cups, a free emotional health service.
Signing up is free and easy. When registering, you can create your own username or use one recommended by the username generator. This ensures your privacy when chatting with qualified listeners, participating in group discussions, or posting to site communities.
One of the options when connecting with a qualified auditor is TOC. This alerts your listener, so you can have sharp support. You can also seek help for loneliness, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ + issues, etc.
Although 7 Cups offers many free services, the company is also an online therapy provider. Trained volunteers can listen and assist users with their concerns, but they are not licensed mental health professionals.
If you are considering online therapy, 7 Cups offers paid options.
Ideal for concomitant conditions
American Association for Anxiety and Depression
When anxiety or depression occurs alongside other mental health problems, such as OCD, it is called concurrent disorders.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) specializes in supporting people with anxiety and depression, as well as those who suffer from OCD alongside anxiety or depression.
ADAA offers resources for mental health, including a list of online support groups for various conditions.
The list features the International OCD Foundation, which offers online OCD camps for kids, online hoarding conferences, online OCD support groups, and more.
Ideal for video meetings
Peers TOC
- Price: $ 20 to $ 35 per meeting
OCD Peers is a service that provides virtual peer support groups using a HIPAA compliant platform.
You can choose from two main group meetings to attend: OCD support groups and community nights.
OCD support groups are more intimate, with around 6-10 people at a time (not counting group leaders) coming from a variety of backgrounds. These meetings have an agenda but also allow for open discussion.
Community Nights can accommodate up to 25 people and last longer. Each person is encouraged to share, followed by a group discussion.
Compared to other options, OCD Peers is not as affordable. Participants pay per group meeting instead of a monthly subscription. The company also does not offer free support groups.
To participate, you need to register and pay for the meeting in advance, which can be inconvenient for people who don’t have flexible hours.
Best for general well-being
La Tribu – Community of well-being
With over 130,000 members, The Tribe is one of the largest online communities for peer-to-peer support.
The OCDTribe is more than an online support group for people with OCD. It’s a place where you can participate in discussion forums, write blog posts, participate in wellness challenges, and use inspirational wellness tools.
While some online OCD resources may seem impersonal, The Tribe uses social media technology to create online communities of people with shared experiences and feelings.
When you register, you will have access to an activity feed. You can also add friends and join groups, like the one dedicated to OCD support.
The wellness tool set is unique to The Tribe. Some allow you to track your mood and overall well-being, while others challenge you to pay more attention or spend time outdoors.
Ideal for joining multiple support groups
SupportGroups.com
SupportGroups.com is a free directory of over 220 online support groups, including the popular OCD Support Group with over 44,000 members.
People with OCD are welcome to join this network of people with similar experiences in a safe environment.
When you join the group, you are invited to share how you feel. Other users can tap the heart icon to show their support or leave a comment to start a discussion. Private messages are also allowed for one-on-one peer support.
While some online support groups are associated with bullying and harassment, every group on SupportGroups.com is moderated. If someone sends you spam messages, SupportGroups.com lets you block them.
Better online community
Health Unlocked
HealthUnlocked is a 24/7 online resource for people with similar health experiences.
The platform offers online support groups including My OCD Community with thousands of members. The site receives millions of visitors every month, but some features are only available to registered users.
In My OCD Community, members can start a discussion by writing a message or asking a question, which usually triggers multiple responses from other members. Users can also like other people’s posts to show their support.
Users must adhere to community guidelines. The group is moderated by the International OCD Foundation and HealthUnlocked to ensure that all members act according to guidelines.
There are many online support groups for OCD, whether you want to attend regular video meetings or participate in online discussions. Many of these groups are free to participate, making online communities accessible.
People with OCD and other mental health issues can find solace and community in safe online spaces where they can share their thoughts freely and without judgment.
Millions of people will suffer from OCD at some point in their lives.
Using an online support group reminds you that you are not alone and that you are supported.
Lacey Muinos is a Southern California-based health, wellness and beauty writer. She holds a BA in English. His work has been published in digital publications such as Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, herbal cooking, Pilates, and travel. You can follow her by visiting herwebsite or herBlog.
