OCD-Midwest, PO Box 512 Bensenville, IL 60106, Bensenville, IL (2026)

04/11/2026

OCD is a bully.

Not because of what it says… but because of how it treats you.

It doesn’t debate you—it targets you.
It hijacks your attention and refuses to let go.
It interrupts your peace the second things feel okay.

It demands answers right now…
and then moves the goalpost when you give one.

It twists your intentions.
It invalidates your certainty.
It repeats itself until you’re exhausted enough to listen.

It creates urgency where there is none.
Punishes you with anxiety when you don’t comply.
Promises relief… but never actually gives it.

That’s not intuition.
That’s not truth.
That’s a bully.

And the goal isn’t to “win” the argument—
it’s to stop playing its game.

Tell us in the comments how OCD has bullied you!

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

04/04/2026

Self-compassion isn’t optional in OCD recovery… it’s essential.

OCD already comes with a loud inner critic:
“Why would you think that?”
“What kind of person does this mean you are?”
“Fix it. Figure it out. Now.”

And if you respond to that voice with more judgment, more shame, more pressure… you end up reinforcing the very cycle you’re trying to break.

Because OCD doesn’t grow from kindness.
It grows from fear, urgency, and self-doubt.

Self-compassion is what interrupts that.

It sounds like:
🧠 “This thought is distressing, not dangerous.”
🧠 “I don’t have to solve this right now.”
🧠 “I can feel anxious and still be okay.”

It’s choosing to respond to intrusive thoughts the way you would respond to a struggling client, friend, or child — with patience instead of punishment.

And no, self-compassion isn’t “letting OCD win.”
It’s actually the opposite.

When you stop attacking yourself for having thoughts, urges, or sensations, you remove the fuel that keeps OCD alive.

You’re not weak for struggling with OCD.
You’re human.

And recovery isn’t about becoming fearless or perfectly certain—
it’s about learning to treat yourself with enough compassion that fear doesn’t run the show anymore.

Be on your own side. That’s where real change starts.

Send this to someone who needs to hear it!!

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

03/28/2026

Volunteering at the OCD Conference isn’t just about helping out—it’s about being part of something that genuinely changes lives. 💙

Every year, this conference brings together people navigating OCD, clinicians, researchers, and families… and it truly would not run without volunteers.

Here’s what’s really important to know though:
this is a competitive program.

Spots are limited, and applications are reviewed thoughtfully—so if this is something you feel pulled toward, don’t wait and don’t half-ass your application.

What you do get:
✨ A full conference registration (yes, really)
✨ An opportunity to be immersed in the OCD community
✨ A chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself

What to keep in mind:
– You’ll need to attend a pre-conference orientation
– Travel, lodging, and meals aren’t included
– You’ll be expected to show up, be present, and be reliable

Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone personally impacted by OCD—this space is powerful. And being part of making it happen? Even more so.

If you’ve been thinking about it, take this as your sign.

🗓 Application deadline: May 4, 2026

Tag someone who should apply with you

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

03/21/2026

We’ve got an update… our address changed!📍✨

Same care, same support—just in a new mailing address 🤍

Since we’re already sharing an update, we figured it’s the perfect time to remind you of all the ways you can reach us:

• Mail
• How to volunteer
• How to be apart of the social media team!

Whatever feels easiest for you—we’re here.

If you’ve been meaning to reach out, take this as your sign. Whether you’re thinking about volunteering, wanting to get more involved, or just have a question reach out!

New address. Same support. Always here.

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

03/14/2026

OCD is one of the few conditions where the content of the fear can look wildly different, but the mechanism underneath is the same.

Someone might struggle with harm thoughts.
Someone else with relationship doubts.
Someone else with contamination fears.

Different themes. Same disorder: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

From a treatment standpoint, the theme actually doesn’t matter much. What matters is the cycle: intrusive thoughts → doubt → anxiety → compulsions → temporary relief → more doubt.

Because OCD will attach to anything that matters to you.

But while themes don’t matter much for treatment, they do matter for representation.

Why?

Because people with OCD often don’t realize they have OCD unless they see their exact experience reflected somewhere. When all people see is handwashing or checking, someone with intrusive sexual thoughts, harm thoughts, or relationship doubts may spend years believing they’re dangerous, immoral, or alone.

Representation helps people recognize:
“Wait… this isn’t just me. This is OCD.”

And that moment of recognition can be the first step toward getting the right help.

Different themes.
Same mechanism.
Same hope for recovery. 🧠✨

Share this with someone who needs to see it!!

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

03/07/2026

Welcome to the official social media page for OCD Midwest! 💚

Here you’ll find educational content about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), updates about upcoming OCD Midwest events, and opportunities to connect with a community dedicated to awareness, support, and advocacy. Our goal is to provide reliable information, highlight resources, and bring together individuals, families, and professionals who care about the OCD community.

Interested in getting more involved? We are always looking for passionate individuals who want to support our mission. If you’d like to join the OCD Midwest social media committee and help spread awareness, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out through the OCD Midwest website to learn more.

Together we can continue building a more informed, supportive community for those affected by OCD. 💚

✨ Follow OCD Midwest for updates on upcoming OCD Midwest events and to learn more about OCD!

✨ Link in our bio for our other social pages, OCD Midwest OCD walks information, and our website!

Disclaimer: Social Media is not therapy. This page should be used for educational purposes only. If you are in crisis call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency center.

03/02/2026

📣✨OCD Midwest movie screening is tomorrow! It's not too late to purchase tickets!✨📣

🎥 Join Us for a Night of Awareness, Insight, and Impact
🗓️ March 3rd, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Kent State University – Kiva Center

We’ll kick off the evening with a screening of “Living With Me and My OCD,” a powerful documentary that shares the raw, real experiences of individuals living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Following the film, we’ll host a panel discussion with clinicians and those with lived experience, along with a resource fair featuring local providers who specialize in OCD treatment and support.

💬 This event is all about reducing stigma, creating space for real conversations, and making OCD treatment more accessible for all.

🎟️ Tickets include entry into a raffle for a themed gift basket, and 100% of proceeds go directly to OCD Midwest to support their ongoing mission.

Whether you’re a clinician, advocate, student, or supporter of mental health, we’d love to have you with us.

🎫 https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/ocdmidwest/rescheduled-movie-screening-and-panel-living-with-me-and-my-ocd

DocumentaryScreening PanelDiscussion ResourceFair AccessibleCare LinkedInEvents TherapyForAll Gratitude

02/12/2026

📣✨Announcement! - RESCHEDULED EVENT UPDATE ✨📣

🎥 Join Us for a Night of Awareness, Insight, and Impact
🗓️ March 3rd, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Kent State University – Kiva Center

Don't forget to book your calendar for our rescheduled event!

We’ll kick off the evening with a screening of “Living With Me and My OCD,” a powerful documentary that shares the raw, real experiences of individuals living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Following the film, we’ll host a panel discussion with clinicians and those with lived experience, along with a resource fair featuring local providers who specialize in OCD treatment and support.

💬 This event is all about reducing stigma, creating space for real conversations, and making OCD treatment more accessible for all.

🎟️ Tickets include entry into a raffle for a themed gift basket, and 100% of proceeds go directly to OCD Midwest to support their ongoing mission.

Whether you’re a clinician, advocate, student, or supporter of mental health, we’d love to have you with us.

🎫 https://lnkd.in/dEvsAg24

DocumentaryScreening PanelDiscussion ResourceFair AccessibleCare LinkedInEvents TherapyForAll Gratitude

02/04/2026

📢 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT!

Deadline for applications is 2/13/26!

We’re excited to offer FOUR scholarships for clinicians seeking high-quality OCD training across OCD Midwest. These scholarships support clinicians serving diverse or underserved communities who want to build a strong foundation in ERP for OCD.

Here are the eligible trainings:

1️⃣ Two-Day OCD Training w/ Jessica Hood, LCSW

📅 March 5–6
📍 Fishers, IN
🎓 1 scholarship available
🔗 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/indychildtherapistllc/2018980

A solid introduction to assessing, diagnosing, and treating OCD using ERP.
13 CEs (Indiana)

2️⃣ ERP for OCD — In-Person (Beth McCreary, PhD, ABPP)

📅 March 7, 2026
📍 Columbus, OH
🎓 2 scholarships available
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exposure-response-prevention-erp-for-ocd-anxiety-disorders-registration-1979778353349

CEs for Ohio clinicians (psych, counseling, social work, MFT)

3️⃣ Two-Day ERP for OCD & Anxiety Disorders

Hosted by Glenview Counseling Group
🎓 1 scholarship available

✨ How to Apply for a Scholarship
Eligible candidates should be clinicians working with diverse or underserved populations who are seeking foundational training in ERP for OCD.
To apply, please email Blair Famarin at bfamarin@menninger.edu and/or Desiree Untch at desiree@aspireanxietysolutions.com
Please include:
• Your CV
• A brief statement of rationale/intent, including:
– Your clinical experience
– Your work with diverse or underserved communities
– Your motivation for seeking this training

01/16/2026

📢 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT!

We’re excited to offer FOUR scholarships for clinicians seeking high-quality OCD training across OCD Midwest. These scholarships support clinicians serving diverse or underserved communities who want to build a strong foundation in ERP for OCD.

Here are the eligible trainings:

1️⃣ Two-Day OCD Training w/ Jessica Hood, LCSW

📅 March 5–6
📍 Fishers, IN
🎓 1 scholarship available
🔗 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/indychildtherapistllc/2018980

A solid introduction to assessing, diagnosing, and treating OCD using ERP.
13 CEs (Indiana)

2️⃣ ERP for OCD — In-Person (Beth McCreary, PhD, ABPP)

📅 March 7, 2026
📍 Columbus, OH
🎓 2 scholarships available
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exposure-response-prevention-erp-for-ocd-anxiety-disorders-registration-1979778353349

CEs for Ohio clinicians (psych, counseling, social work, MFT)

3️⃣ Two-Day ERP for OCD & Anxiety Disorders

Hosted by Glenview Counseling Group
🎓 1 scholarship available

✨ How to Apply for a Scholarship
Eligible candidates should be clinicians working with diverse or underserved populations who are seeking foundational training in ERP for OCD.
To apply, please email Blair Famarin at bfamarin@menninger.edu and/or Desiree Untch at desiree@aspireanxietysolutions.com
Please include:
• Your CV
• A brief statement of rationale/intent, including:
– Your clinical experience
– Your work with diverse or underserved communities
– Your motivation for seeking this training

12/18/2025

Kick off the new year by joining Amber Young to learn about OCD! CE credits available.

12/16/2025

📣 Update: Event Rescheduled — Save the New Date!

OCD Midwest has some exciting news!

Due to scheduling changes, our OCD Midwest Documentary Screening & Awareness Panel has been rescheduled to March 3, 2026 — and we can’t wait to gather with you for this powerful evening of awareness, education, and community.

📅 New Date: March 3, 2026
📍 Location: Kent State University – Kiva Theatre

OCD Midwest is proud to host this special event and to partner with our generous sponsors:
Hopewell Therapeutic Farm, Newport Healthcare, Aspire Anxiety & OCD Solutions, and Palladium Counseling Group.

The evening will feature a screening of “Living with Me and My OCD,” a moving, personal documentary produced, directed, and filmed by Claire Watkinson. The film centers the voices of individuals living with OCD and highlights the critical need for increased understanding and awareness.

Following the screening, please stay for a panel discussion featuring individuals with lived experience and clinical experts.

✨ Arrive early to explore our resource fair, connect with local providers and organizations, gather helpful materials, and enter our raffle for a chance to win fun prizes, all while supporting a great cause.

💙 All proceeds from the event directly support OCD Midwest’s mission, funding future community education, trainings, and outreach.

🎟 Register here:
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ocdmidwest/rescheduled-movie-screening-and-panel-living-with-me-and-my-ocd

We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to seeing you in March!

OCD-Midwest

04/11/2026

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03/28/2026

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03/14/2026

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