OCD Awareness Week: CMHA, Vancouver-Fraser OCD Support Groups Offer Hope

Oct 11, 2023

October 8-14 is OCD awareness week, a time to shine a light on the challenges experienced by those living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and celebrate their stories of hope.

Everyone experiences OCD differently; it’s a spectrum and a uniquely personal journey. Some symptoms are visible; some are not. The condition is often co-morbid, and those living with OCD can also experience depression and anxiety. The challenges the condition presents can create significant barriers to building meaningful connections. It can be an incredibly isolating condition. But there is hope.

CMHA, Vancouver-Fraser, with generous funding from the Community Action Initiative and the Province of British Columbia, offers virtual OCD support groups for young adults (aged 19-30) and adults (19+). These groups provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental setting to connect with peers who understand the challenges of OCD, share stories and coping skills, and learn from and inspire each other. The focus is on wellness and sharing strategies that help through mindfulness, education and sharing resources.

How do the groups work?

There are two virtual groups:

1. The adult group is facilitated by a clinical counsellor. This group runs the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm.
2. The young adult group (aged 19-30) is led by peers with lived experience. Sessions are supervised by a clinical counsellor. This group runs the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7-8 pm. The focus is on socializing and fun!

Both groups are entirely virtual and open to all residents in BC who experience OCD tendencies. Family and friends supporting someone with OCD are also welcome. There is no obligation to attend every session. However, a screening interview is required for both groups.

Can I join both groups?

Yes! You can be a part of both groups if you fit the age category for young adults (19-30).

What are the benefits?

The therapeutic benefits of group work are just as important as one-on-one counselling. Participants learn from each other, build a sense of community, and give each other hope through shared stories. Just take it from our participants:

“In my experience, OCD has an isolating factor, as those who don’t have it have difficulty understanding the stress that sufferers go through and may even express annoyance at the manifestations of OCD. This condition presents a significant barrier to achieving typical young adult milestones such as forming relationships. Furthermore, these social connections have benefited my mental health and well-being“. – Young Adult Group Participant.

“Joining the CMHA VF OCD support group has been tremendously helpful and beneficial in my recovery journey. Realizing that you are not alone, that many others are going through the same thing and can understand what you are going through, can bring a sense of relief and community in the otherwise isolating nature of OCD. Another benefit is having a welcoming environment to share your experiences and feelings openly without judgment. There is also an added therapeutic benefit in group therapy that might not be available in individual therapy. For one, hearing other people’s successful recovery stories can give you hope that it is definitely possible to recover from this condition and that you CAN recover. By helping others, you also help yourself. It can give you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment knowing that by sharing your story and experiences, you can help others who may be struggling similarly and share some of the tools and coping strategies you have found helpful.” – Adult OCD Group Participant.

Are you interested in learning more?

Visit our Groups page: https://cmhavf.ca/programs/counseling-and-adult-support-groups/ 

Or contact us at group.vf@cmhavf.ca.