“Embracing uncertainty, one step at a time”
The above quote is the motto for the annual OCD Walk via the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). The quote is fitting to promote the support of the OCD community, since OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) typically involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions surrounding themes of uncertainty. Statistics posted on the IOCDF site (iocdf.org) state that approximately 3 million adults suffer from this mental health disorder (or 1 in 100 adults). Pediatric OCD occurs in about 1 in 200 kids and teens. With the prevalence and complicated nature of OCD, it is important to have continued support and research to strengthen evidence-based treatments.
The fundraising walk was inspired by Denis Asselin. In June 2012, Denis walked all the way from his home in Pennsylvania to Boston, Massachusetts to honor his son, Nathaniel, who ended his life after suffering with OCD and BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder). His walk was approximately one million steps, which inspired the OCD Foundation to name and continue the “One Million Steps 4 OCD Walk” in his honor.
The One Million Steps for OCD Walk is now an annual event (taking place this year in both June and October throughout the country) to increase, support, awareness, and research for the OCD community.
Thanks to OCD NC, the walk takes place yearly in several different locations in North Carolina. The Asheville walk has taken place yearly since 2017. After an online walk due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the walk was able to take place last year in-person again in September.
This year’s OCD walk in Asheville will take place on Saturday, October 8th at French Broad River Park at 10:00am, with registration and check-in beginning at 9:15am. For registration, donations, and more information, please visit support.iocdf.org/asheville. We hope to see you there in October!
If you or someone you know is interested in comprehensive OCD treatment, please contact CBT Counseling Centers at 828-350-1177 to learn more. For more information on OCD, OCD research, and its treatment, please visit the International OCD Foundation site at https://iocdf.org.