A Mental Health Awareness Month message from Dr. McGrath

OCD affects millions, yet it’s still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed. And because so much of what people hear about OCD is incomplete or misleading, many who are struggling never connect their symptoms to the condition at all. They suffer without a name for what they're going through, which means they often can’t find a clear path to help. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important for our community. This May, NOCD is shining a light on the lesser‑known and often misunderstood sides of OCD—the ones that can make people think they’re the only one who feels this way, does these things, or has these fears. When people can finally recognize their symptoms, they can find support, access the right treatment, and reclaim their lives. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing live events, stories, and resources to help you better understand OCD and find hope about what’s possible. Our Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Patrick McGrath, is kicking things off with a message about the unseen impact of OCD, why awareness matters, and how our team at NOCD is making sure more people find their way to effective care. Watch Dr. McGrath’s message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18p1jKrN0fQ

changemymind

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 7d

I know for a fact that I’ve helped at least 5 people realize they have OCD by being open about my own intrusive thoughts. Talking about it literally saves lives!

Lisa3

Date posted: 7d

OK, so I watched the video and I read the post and I’m still confused about (specifically), “Why OCD gets missed.” I’ve been in therapy for almost 30 years. Why did I have to convince my therapist of six years that I have OCD not CPTSD. Also I have Bipolar 1 and PTSD. Additionally, don’t know if I have,“Generalized Anxiety Disorder”, or actually just more, “OCD”.

Jon :)

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 5d

@Lisa3 OCD is just one of those mental illnesses that can be both misunderstood and be misdiagnosed. You can fact check but research like other OCD themes that aren’t the stereotypical type (harm/somatic/magical thinking) have been discovered 2-3 decades ago, and it doesn’t help that those who suffer with OCD also have high anxiety and depression. On the bright side though, you have a fighting chance to advocate about it so this won’t happen to someone in similar shoes. Hope you are doing okay and now recovery is possible! Bai ♥️ 😊

Jusne

Date posted: 4d

Some therapists these days really need more training. Tell me what did I get misdiagnosed and given the wrong treatment for 5 times. Suffering for years straight wondering why I’m never getting better. I can’t imagine how other with ocd live like this, they might have it way worse than me. We really need better quality therapists who don’t get biased and is willing to listen to what we have to say instead of telling us how we’re supposed to feel

Tanner Keith 💝

Date posted: 2d

The first paragraph is exactly how I feel. Literally never ever connected my symptoms to ocd. Never knew ocd was more than cleanliness and organization and germs. I have never been able to Truley understand my self until I found this out. All the drs. All the prescriptions. All the therapist. It allll finally makes sense. What doesn’t make sense it how it was missed for 9 years. I’m just glad now I finally understand my self. And can finally actually work towards getting better by friending the actual right path. THANKYOU. I seriously thought something was wrong with me for SEVERAL YEARS 9 + years. I’m 25. I thought this was forever. Literally had no idea what to think. Why I was the way I was. I’m just beyond ready.

Lechi O.

Date posted: 2d

How do we talk about OCD without over looking cultural aspects that are unique to everybody? I’m Latina, not many people in my family are familiar with OCD but I do have several relatives diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and autism which I feel are better understood, however my OCD is misunderstood not because of preconceived ideas of oldest daughters in Latino families. How do you think OCD should be explained to people in these unique situations even if we have some knowledge of said diagnosis and what do you recommend outside of talk therapy? And is OCD considered a form of neurodivergence and what qualifies as neurodivergence or what doesn’t? What kind of clinical value does the term actually hold?

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