On this page, you can find a variety of resources which may be helpful for your family.
OCD Specific Resources
Websites
Below are links to reputable organisations that provide information and support related to OCD:
- https://www.ocduk.org/ OCD-UK is a UK-based charity run by people who have experienced OCD. They offer information, advice, and online forums for parents and young people.
- https://www.ocdaction.org.uk OCD Action supports both adults and children living with OCD. They provide a helpline, online support groups, and information about treatment for OCD.
- https://www.nopanic.org.uk/ No Panic are a national organisation providing information about OCD and anxiety problems.
Books and Guides
Below is a list of books and guides to help you understand more about OCD:
- Wells, J. (2006). Touch and Go Joe: An adolescent’s experience of OCD. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. https://www.ocduk.org/shop/touch-and-go-joe/
- Sanders, C. (2021). Parenting OCD: Down to Earth Advice From One Parent to Another. Worcester: OCD-UK. https://www.ocduk.org/shop/parenting-ocd/
- Fulwood, A. & Wilson, Z. (2022). FAQs on OCD. Worcester: OCD-UK. https://www.ocduk.org/shop/faqs-on-ocd/
- Abramowitz, J. S. (2021). The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD: Reclaim Your Life and Help Your Loved One. New York: Guilford Press. https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-family-guide-to-getting-over-ocd/jonathan-s-abramowitz//9781462541362?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=259955&awc=3787_1757071134_69b457658c865a15563e20ec281c0f51&utm_source=259955&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping+CSS
- Huebner, D. (2007). What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD. Washington, DC: Magination Press. https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-to-do-when-your-brain-gets-stuck/dawn-huebner/bonnie-matthews/9781591478058
- Derisley, J., Heyman, I., Robinson, S., & Turner, C. (2008). Breaking Free from OCD: A CBT Guide for Young People and Their Families. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.https://www.ocduk.org/shop/breaking-free-from-ocd/
- Wood, K., & Fletcher, D. (2019). Stand Up to OCD!: A CBT Self-Help Guide and Workbook for Teens. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. https://www.ocduk.org/shop/stand-up-to-ocd/
- Turner, C., Volz, C., & Krebs, G. (2019). OCD – Tools to Help You Fight Back!: A CBT Workbook for Young People. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. https://www.ocduk.org/shop/ocd-tools-to-help-you-fight-back/
General Mental Health Resources
In this section you will find a range of general mental health resources, including websites, support organisations, books, and workbooks that some families may find helpful.
Websites
- https://www.verywellmind.com/5-4-3-2-1-grounding-technique-8639390 (tools to help your child feel calm and present)
- https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/ (offers CBT self-help information, resources and worksheets)
- Mental Health Self-Help Guides https://www.ntw.nhs.uk/resource-library/ (short booklets on various topics including a range of anxiety problems and depression. Booklets mainly aimed at adults but provide clear and simple strategies)
- Living Life to the Full | Self Help Resources | Online CBT Courses (a useful website with a range of booklets, worksheets and computer-based self-help modules)
- MindEd (free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults) https://www.minded.org.uk/
Support Organisations
- Anxiety UK (Provides information and support for anyone suffering with anxiety problems) https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
- Rethink (Provides information and a helpline for anyone affected by mental health problems) https://www.rethink.org/ Helpline 0300 500 0927
- Mind (Provides information on mental health problems and treatments) https://www.mind.org.uk/ Helpline 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm)
- Cruse (Helpline for bereaved people and those caring for bereaved people) https://www.cruse.org.uk/ Helpline 0844 477 9400
- Family lives – Parentline (national charity offering free support services to parents and carers) https://www.familylives.org.uk/ (email and live online support available through website). Tel: Helpline0808 800 2222
- Young Minds (charity committed to improving the mental health of young people. Support for those worried about a young person’s behaviour or mental health) https://www.youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/. Parent’s Helpline 0808 802 5544. (free helpline, open Mon-Fri 9.30am – 4pm, or chat online weekdays 11am – 1pm)
- Harmless https://www.harmless.org.uk/ (user-led organisation that includes a range of information and support for people who self harm)
Books and Workbooks
- Creswell, C. & Willetts, L. (2007). Overcoming Your Child’s Fears and Worries: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques. London: Constable & Robinson. https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/book/overcoming-series/overcoming-childs-fears-worries-cathy-creswell-lucy-willetts/
- Kennerley, H. (1997). Overcoming Anxiety: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques. London: Constable & Robinson. https://overcoming.co.uk/443/Overcoming-Anxiety—Kennerley
- Mears, K. & Freeston, M. (2008). Overcoming Worry. London: Constable & Robinson.https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/book/overcoming-series/overcoming-worry-by-mark-freeston-and-kevin-meares/
- OCTC self-help booklets (A range of brief self-help booklets for different anxiety problems and depression. Booklets aimed mainly at adults but provide clear summaries of basic cognitive-behavioural approaches). https://www.octc.co.uk/online-shop
- Stallard, P. (2002). Think Good – Feel Good: A cognitive behaviour therapy workbook for children and young people. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. (plus additional online resources after purchasing book https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119395348)
Additional Support For Times of Crisis
If you or your child need urgent support, the services below offer free, confidential help.
- Childline (free confidential 24 hour helpline for young people up to the age of 19) 0800 11 11
- Samaritans (free confidential 24 hour helpline) 08457 90 90 90
- Papyrus HOPELineUK (free confidential helpline for anyone concerned about a young person at risk of harming themselves. Open weekdays 10am – 5pm, 7pm – 10pm; weekends 2pm – 5pm) 0800 068 41 41
Online safety information for parents and carers
Below is a resource that provides guidance and advice to parents and carers to help keep children safe online.
- Internet Matters (A not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to help keep children safe in the digital world. Backed by the UK’s most prominent internet industry players and supported by leading child online safety experts, they aim to offer you the best advice and information available on tackling e-safety issues). www.internetmatters.org/