Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is considered a common mental health disorder or mental illness. When someone in the public eye opens up about having a mental health disorder or illness such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, it increases awareness. It can impact the public perception of the topic. Awareness and accurate information about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder matters. Statistics indicate that one out of every 40 adults aged 18+ and one out of every 100 children under the age of 18 live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD, so if you have it or think that you might, you're not alone. In this article, we'll talk about the reality of OCD and public figures living with OCD and the importance of OCD awareness, and how to find support.
Other Public Figures Living With OCD
Howie Mandel is not the only public figure who has spoken about living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Other people in the spotlight who have talked about living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder include but are not limited to:
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Fiona Apple
- John Green
- Maria Bamford
Facts and statistics on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder say that the average age for diagnosis is 19. However, the age of onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can occur at any time in a person's life. About a quarter of people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder receive a diagnosis by 14. Still, many people (about one-third of people living with OCD) begin experiencing early childhood symptoms. Not everyone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has a family member who also lives with OCD. Still, alongside other factors, family history is one potential risk factor for the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It's important to remember that anyone can develop Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Learn More About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
If you're interested in continuing to learn more about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD, there are so many different resources for doing so. Various workbooks and other books, such as memoirs like Howie Mandel's, can help you learn about OCD. Many mental health professionals, including therapists and psychologists, have actually written informational pieces about OCD that are available for free online, as well as workbooks and self-help books designed for people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Whether you're looking to learn more about the different subtypes of OCD or other information about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, we have a growing variety of blog posts about the condition on the Mind Diagnostics website. You may also consider learning about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by using the resources and tools on the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website. The IOCDF website has a resource directory, a book recommendation list, an app recommendation list, information about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and so much more.
When learning about OCD online, through books, or through the media, it is essential to remember that it isn't a replacement for learning about OCD or OCD help from a professional, nor is it ever a replacement for individual advice or information about how a specific individual experiences a condition such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Everyone living with OCD is unique, and so are their symptoms and experiences.
Get Support For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are capable. Many people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder live full, happy, and successful lives. That doesn't mean that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder isn't serious or severe; in fact, over half of the people living with it have severe symptoms, according to the NIMH. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is considered a disability, and it can be debilitating. The good news is that, again, there is treatment available. One of the most popular therapies used for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is ERP or exposure and response prevention therapy. For all information regarding specific treatments and therapies, make sure to reach out to a medical or mental health professional.
If you're struggling to find support in your area, there are a variety of ways that you can go about finding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder support. Here are some options:
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or therapist.
- Search the web for "OCD therapist near me,""ERP for OCD near me," or similar applicable search terms.
- Contact your insurance company to see who they cover, or visit their website if your insurance company has an online provider directory. You might also see who takes your insurance by visiting a website with a general mental health provider directory, which will often tell you about a potential provider's practices, education, information about insurance and payment methods, and so on.
- Use a provider search tool like the one on the Mind Diagnostics website, located in the upper right-hand corner of your page.
You might also consider an online counseling website like BetterHelp. Therapy is not just for people living with mental health conditions; it is for anyone and everyone who needs or wants to talk to someone, whether about mental health, relationships, life stressors, or something else.
If you're looking for peer support options to use alongside counseling or therapy, there are a number of options both for those living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and loved ones of those with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and related conditions. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder support groups and forums are two popular peer support options. Popular online forums for those with OCD include the Health Unlocked (My OCD Community) forum, the OCD Action forum, and the OCD UK forum. One of the benefits of both online forums and support groups is that they're almost always free. Support groups can be found by searching the web for "OCD support groups near me," asking for a recommendation of an OCD support group in your area, or joining a support group that meets online or via phone. When you join a new support group or forum, make sure to check on the specific rules of said forum or group. Support groups aren't a replacement for treatment, but they can be highly advantageous for people living with mental health conditions or disorders like OCD.
Take The Mind Diagnostics Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Test
Are you wondering if you could have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? If so, consider taking the Mind Diagnostics Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder test. The Mind Diagnostics Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder test is not a replacement for a diagnosis from a medical or mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, but taking the test can give you insight into your symptoms, and it might just be the first step to getting the help that you need. Although OCD can affect people of all ages, the Mind Diagnostics Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder test is for those aged 18 and older.
