October 9-15,2016 is International OCD Awareness Week. This annual event sponsored by the International OCD Foundation offers opportunities to not only learn more about OCD, but to speak out for those who are unable to. I was diagnosed with OCD around age 7 and I am lucky enough to live my life relatively symptom-free thanks to modern medicine. There are some however who are so affected by this condition that they are unable to perform tasks of daily living. Others are afraid to speak out because of stigma. It doesn't help when OCD is commonly ridiculed by the media or worse yet, used as a verb as if one behavior can cause a person to be "so OCD". This upcoming week I encourage you to not only educate yourself about OCD but to support those whose lives are impacted by this condition.

The International OCD Foundation offers several ways for individuals to be involved with OCD Awareness Week. The 2016 OCD Road to Recovery tour will be visiting several major cities throughout the United States providing workshops, presentations and informational events. There is also a YouTube challenge where individuals can spread awareness through creative videos. Lastly, there are several efforts being made to promote awareness through social media. Suggestions include "donating" your Facebook status to promote OCD Awareness week, participating in a Thunderclap campaign, and interacting using #OCDweek.

Whether you or someone you know struggles with OCD or you simply want more information, I encourage you to visit https://iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek/. Consider participating in one of the online events taking place. Some other suggestions offered by the IOCDF on how to get involved include: hosting a local viewing party to watch OCD related films, TV shows, or videos, helping with a community fundraiser or event to raise awareness, and simply being a friend and/or mentor to someone with OCD. These small efforts combined can really be a positive voice, speaking up for those who can't.