Overcoming Shame in OCD – Leeds Anxiety Clinic

This presentation explores the psychological experience of shame in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and offers practical steps for overcoming it. Drawing on evidence-based guidance from Leeds Anxiety Clinic, you’ll learn about:

What OCD is and how common it is across ages.

The different sources of shame, from feeling weak for needing help to stigma around mental health and intrusive thoughts.

A historical timeline showing progress in public mental-health awareness.

Strategies you can use to break the cycle of shame and seek support early.

If you or someone you care about struggles with shame or OCD, this deck provides compassionate, research-informed insights and signposts where to go for help. Visit Leeds Anxiety Clinic
for confidential therapy and more resources.

1. Overcoming Shame in OCD Understanding and addressing shame to embrace healing 29 August 2025

2. Agenda Understanding OCD & Prevalence Sources of shame De‑stigmatization timeline Overcoming shame & next steps

3. Understanding OCD & Prevalence OCD is a common mental health disorder with intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. Therapy is effective at reducing symptoms and helping people regain control of their lives. Onset often occurs between ages 7–12 or late teens to early adulthood. Prevalence: 1 in 40 adults (~2.5%), 1 in 100 children (~1%) and significant delays in assessment (2.5 years) and treatment (1.5 years). [1] [2] [3]

4. Sources of Shame in OCD Category Description Examples Needing help Feeling weak or trivial for asking for help. Believing problems aren't "real" and should be solved alone. Symptoms Embarrassment about rituals and intrusive thoughts. Checking locks repeatedly; intrusive harm, sexual or blasphemous thoughts. Mental health stigma Perception that mental health is taboo and unacceptable. Family, friends or colleagues may downplay or criticise mental health struggles. [4] [5] [6]

5. Breaking the Cycle of Shame Needing help Symptoms Mental health stigma Shame in OCD Interventions Recognise that OCD thoughts are common, seek confidential therapy, and challenge the stigma. [7] [8] [9] [10]

6. Progress in Mental Health Awareness 1992 World Mental Health Day Global awareness day established 2001 MHA Week UK Mental Health Awareness Week launched 2007 Arts Festival Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival begins 2020 COVID‑19 Study Research on pandemic mental health & £2.5m response [11] [12] [13] [14]

7. Strategies for Overcoming Shame Recognise that OCD and intrusive thoughts are common and not your fault. Understand that therapy is confidential; therapists are trained to address OCD symptoms. Seek professional help early to reduce delays in assessment and treatment. Engage with support groups and awareness initiatives to reduce stigma. [15] [16] [17]

8. Conclusion & Next Steps Shame can delay seeking help but it is a barrier that can be overcome. Awareness of prevalence and destigmatization efforts fosters hope and understanding. Reach out for professional support early and talk openly about your experiences. Learn more & book therapy at Leeds Anxiety Clinic [18] [19] [20]

9. Sources & Additional Resources [1] Leeds Anxiety Clinic article: Overcoming shame in OCD [2–3] International OCD Foundation: Who Gets OCD? (prevalence, delays) [4–7] Article details on shame categories and interventions [8] WTS International: World Mental Health Day (1992) [9–11] Mental Health Foundation milestones (2001–2020)