Free resources for REOCD recovery
* Compulsion awareness alert! Please gently notice your motivations when you are seeking information and resources about Real Event OCD. If you are browsing online information to build your understanding of REOCD and tools of recovery, that’s helpful. If you’re finding yourself obsessively reading and re-reading information to compare your events or solve whether you’re a ‘bad’ person, please pause and make a loving choice about where to put your energy next 😊
Sadly we are still in a world where OCD is often misunderstood by the general public and healthcare services - and where access to treatment is often dictated by affordability and access to professional services in our country or region.
I would always encourage anyone living with OCD to seek first-line treatments like therapy and medication, if they are within your reach. But I’m painfully aware that these treatments are not easily accessible to many people living with Real Event OCD around the world.
However, if you’ve managed to find this article, there’s a good chance you’re also able to access a range of other free online resources. At the very least, I believe there is an opportunity for anyone with internet access to educate themselves about REOCD recovery and find supportive OCD communities to connect with.
I’d like to signpost a range of free resources available to you right now:
_________________________
REOCD articles
OCD Specialists – Real Event OCD - https://ocdspecialists.com/real-event-ocd/
Break The Cycle – Real Event OCD - Free Guide - https://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/free-resources/real-event-ocd
NOCD – Real Event OCD: When the past becomes a source of obsession - https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/real-events-ocd
PsychCentral – What Are ‘Real Event’ Symptoms of OCD? - https://psychcentral.com/ocd/real-event-ocd
_________________________
REOCD podcasts
The OCD Stories Podcast – Real Event OCD with Stacey Kuhl Wocher – April 2020:
https://theocdstories.com/podcast/stacey-kuhl-wochner-real-event-ocd/
Disordered: Anxiety Help Podcast – Real Event OCD – January 2025:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/real-event-ocd-episode-95/id1679457693?i=1000684355913
All The Hard Things – How to Overcome Real Event OCD – May 2024:
https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/episode179/
_________________________
REOCD resources mega-thread
I found this really helpful in my early days of REOCD learning:
https://www.reddit.com/r/OCD/comments/145g4hj/real_event_ocd_resources_mega_thread/
_________________________
Online forums
https://www.reddit.com/r/OCDRecovery/
https://app.treatmyocd.com/community/posts
_________________________
Online OCD groups and meetings
I cannot vouch for every online OCD support group – but can point you to a reliable directory of online groups provided by the International OCD Foundation:
https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/
If you do decide to connect with other people online for REOCD support, protecting your own safety and wellbeing is the absolute priority. Only share information you’re comfortable to share, be mindful of compulsive over-sharing or confession, and build a sense of trust with other members before going into any detail.
_________________________
Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous (OCA)
OCA is a fellowship of adults who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from OCD. The only requirement for membership is a desire to recover from OCD. There are no fees. Online meetings are held daily – see these links for meeting times.
https://www.obsessivecompulsiveanonymous.org/
https://obsessivecompulsiveanonymous.org.uk/ - UK branch
_________________________
Crisis lines and webchats
If OCD thoughts are leading to self-harm urges, panic attacks, or suicidal ideation – please look up any mental health crisis lines you could contact in your region.
_________________________
Lower-cost therapy
If private therapy is unaffordable, keep in mind that some private therapists will offer some reduced-rate slots for people with financial constraints. These may be difficult to find, but don’t get discouraged – look around on reputable therapist directories like https://internationaltherapistdirectory.com/ and contact qualified therapists who are skilled in OCD recovery.
_________________________
From Fear to Love: Recovery from Real Event OCD
My e-book is the first published book dedicated to recovery from Real Event OCD - and covers OCD education, sharing my lived experience, and a range of tools and options for recovery. If the cost is a barrier for you, please feel encouraged to contact me at bodhipeters@outlook.com and we’ll work something out.
