First OCD Conference in State Challenges Misconceptions, Offers Hope
Erin Venker, a local therapist, is hosting the first OCD Conference in the state this Saturday. The event aims to bring together providers, individuals with OCD, and their family members to raise awareness and share experiences.
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. These obsessions can range from fears of fire, cancer, to other serious issues, causing significant distress and interfering with daily life.
OCD is often genetic and treatable with medication and therapies like exposure therapy. Alison Dotson, a person living with OCD, described her experiences as 'like having thoughts you never wanted to have'. Despite the challenges, a diagnosis of OCD can be a relief, as it provides a name for the struggles and opens doors to treatment.
The conference, organized by Venker, seeks to challenge common misunderstandings about OCD. It will explore the reality of living with the disorder, including the distress caused by thoughts about harm or violence, and the repetitive tasks that can feel impossible to resist, even after the initial action is completed.
The OCD Conference, hosted by Erin Venker, offers a unique opportunity for open dialogue and education about this often misunderstood condition. By bringing together providers, individuals with OCD, and their families, the conference aims to foster understanding, support, and hope for those affected by this treatable disorder.
