By: Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Ph.D. 

This section is designed specifically for college-aged adults/young adults. When living with OCD it can often be exhausting, confusing and frustrating. We hope that you will find videos in this section that are designed just for you with helpful tools. Remember OCD management is possible, with the appropriate resources and support you can live the life you deserve!

We know many of you are leaving for college soon. We want to see you off to a great start and thought these tips might be helpful:

  1. Know the resources in your new area: Scope out the surrounding area for support groups, therapists, crisis hotlines, etc. Use this search tool to help you!
  2. Utilize online OCD management tools: OCDChallenge.comis a free online OCD management tool that can be easily accessed from your phone or computer.
  3. Know your support: Connect with someone that understands what you are going through and can encourage you during difficult times. This can be a family member, friend, someone from a support group, a congregation member, etc. Get connected to a support group. If there isn’t a local option, try an online support group!
  4. Utilize the university’s resources: Look into the resources your school has to offer in regards to counseling and mental health services.

Additional Resources:

Resources for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

Videos: For Young Adults

Choose a title below to view related OCD videos

Stress: Going to College & the Triggers Associated with it

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, ABPP, discusses how a person's OCD can be worsened with stress. This is especially applicable to college students who are experiencing new things, such as not living with parents or having to share a bathroom with someone.

Managing symptoms during high stress

Jonathan S. Abramowitz, PhD, ABPP shares that college students who were or are in ERP should continue doing exposures and looking out for stressful times and environments.

Living with OCD as a teenager

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD shares how lonely, scary, and isolating having OCD as a teenager can be. However, there are millions of people with OCD and many resources to find help.

Managing your anger

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD discusses how sometimes people get angry when they are triggered. Sometimes people take their anger out on family and friends, but it is important to remember that they want to be supportive. Try to be kind to your family and friends, even when you are angry. If needed, read a book, take a walk, listen to music, or do another activity to help you calm down.

Parental involvement in treatment

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD discusses that sometimes when parents are involved in a teenager's treatment, the teenager can feel angry with them or irritated. However, it's important to remember that your parents are trying to support you, which is why they put you in treatment. They only want what's best for you.

Does treatment work?

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD shares that treatment for OCD can be scary, but it's important to put effort into it because that's how the therapy is going to help. If you put the work into ERP, you will see results.

Accepting your challenge

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD shares that people with OCD may wonder why they can't just be like their friends. However, everyone is unique, regardless of whether or not you have OCD. Nobody is alike. However, treatment and resources can help you learn to manage your OCD.

Talking to someone who understands

Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD says that one of the best pieces of advice she can give as someone who had OCD as a teenager is to meet someone else with OCD. Having a friend to relate to and who understands you is so helpful. Going to support groups, online or in person, or other events can be a good way to find someone who also struggles with OCD.

Learn tips on when and how to speak to your children about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Dr. Wagner encourages you to always be proactive during upcoming transitional periods with new routines and environments. She gives tips on​ how to continue treatment while off to college and how to navigate social activities.

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