OCD Awareness Week serves to dispel myths about obsessive compulsive disorder, break the stigma around mental illness, and provide education about the disorder and how to support those affected. LGBTQ+ Officer Danilo shares his story of living with the condition...
'I have struggled with OCD from the age of about 10 - my hands have always been rough and even bleeding where have washed them so much. I would stay awake for hours and would not be able to concentrate on anything else due to having such disturbing thoughts. For about three years I would stay awake every night making sure that the door was locked and that the stove was off and everywhere I went I could smell gas and would sometimes even have to call the police due to my OCD fears.
My OCD got significantly worse in 2022. I have had contamination OCD for years, but this was a different kind. I used to work at several gay nightclubs and it was initially one of the happiest periods of my life; however, because of my contamination OCD, I got traumatised and I am now too scared to go anywhere near them, which is so devastating as I had hoped to own my own gay club one day. Because of my OCD, I had to stop working as much and was eventually let go. I also developed weight loss, impetigo, bleeding and various other health issues. It made my depression and anxiety so bad and I was having anxiety attacks on a regular basis. It also impacted my friendship and university life.
I could go on and on about my OCD but I do not want to be triggering. However, I will say that it is a very isolating condition. I struggle so much to talk to people about it as I'm worried they will judge me. However, there is a light at the tunnel. Through searching, I have been able to find and meet people going through similar things and we have been able to help each other. I have also found so many charities and organisations that try to support people with the condition, such as the International OCD Foundation, Mind, OCD Action, OCK UK and others.
The best way you can support people with OCD is by listening and being there for there. It is okay if you do not have all the answers or do not know what to say! We understand. But by being there for them and supporting them, you are showing that you care, and that is amazing. Also, by spreading awareness about OCD and dispelling myths, you are helping us.
This OCD week, I am running many events to try to bring awareness to OCD and to bring some hope to those suffering with the condition. I really hope that I can help in whatever way I can and help make the world a more accepting place where people are more understanding of the condition, and make UCL students with OCD know that they are seen and heard.'