It isn't terribly important how you get support for your OCD, only that you do. By becoming part of a community, you can supplement the help you receive from your doctor or therapist (or both), and gain information, insight and fellowship. And then you, in turn, may be able to help others. It's a win all around.

Now that you've been there and you know the way, you might find that you'd like to share what you know. Some ways in which you may be able to help other people who also have OCD, or who care about someone who does, are:

• Starting a support group

• Reaching out if you suspect that a friend or a friend of a friend is affected by OCD

• Staying educated, yourself, by reading about the disorder and staying informed about new research developments

• Volunteering your services to an OCD self-help organization that already exists

• Spreading the word by writing or blogging about your experiences

Sometimes, of course, it's hard to offer help. You may feel shy or wary, or the other person may rebuff your suggestions. Our best advice: Don't worry about it. If you're shy, maybe you won't be next time. If the other person shows resistance to your suggestions, just think back to when you began to learn about OCD. You may not have been pleased to hear your diagnosis, or completely brave about taking medication or doing CBT. (Few people are!) You may simply have to give the person time. Let him know that when he's ready, all things being equal, you will be, too. In the meantime, try to feel good about yourself because, when you do, you'll be at your best. And projecting a positive image of a person who has OCD but is not ruled by it is one of the best ways you can help others who are starting out now from the place where you once were.