It’s hard to believe that last weekend was our first-ever International OCD Conference.
We set up a table in the exhibit hall and introduced our bracelets to a room full of people who understood — really understood — why we created Presently. Watching faces light up as we explained that these reminders were made specifically for this community, by two sisters with OCD, was something we’ll never forget.
We traded stories about OCD themes and therapy tools the way some people talk about the weather. We made real connections that felt like they deserved an entire weekend, not just one day. And while we didn’t make it to any official programming (the booth was busy!), we still learned so much.
Here are five takeaways from our first #OCDcon experience:
1. This community is something special.
Kind. Curious. Compassionate. And honestly, hilarious. There’s a shared language here — one built on honesty, vulnerability, and humor. It’s a place where people meet you exactly where you are, no matter what OCD theme you’re struggling with.
We met so many advocates — people who bravely share their stories, not for attention, but to help others feel less alone. If you’ve ever been stuck in the dark with scary thoughts you didn’t understand, you know how life-changing it is to hear: you’re not the only one. That’s what advocacy does.
2. It’s not just for professionals — it’s for people.
Yes, there were incredible therapists and researchers at the conference. But what stood out most was how many of them were also part of this community — people with OCD, or people who love someone who has it.
We met therapists who not only support others through their work, but who also live with OCD themselves. It was a powerful reminder that this conference isn’t just about treatment — it’s about connection. It’s about building a space where shared experience, professional insight, and human compassion come together. Where people show up to learn, to heal, and to help one another feel seen and supported.
3. Laughter is part of the healing.
We laughed a lot. OCD can make us believe some truly absurd things — and sometimes, the best way to take its power away is to laugh about it. Being in a space where people got the jokes (and the truth behind them) was healing in itself.
We bonded over oddly specific shared experiences — like taking birthday wishes way too seriously. The level of emotional responsibility in the air was unmatched, and somehow, hilariously familiar. In a setting where everyone understood the invisible weight we carry, humor became a way to connect, to exhale, and to feel a little less alone. That’s the healing part.
It turns out, when you put a bunch of people with OCD in one place, you get a perfect mix of compassion, overthinking, and really excellent one-liners. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
4. OCD advocacy is actually changing things.
There were so many kids at this conference — kids who already know what OCD is and are being diagnosed earlier than ever. According to the IOCDF, about 1 in 100 children and teens have OCD, with symptoms often beginning between the ages of 7 and 12.
IOCDF’s data also shows a dramatic shift in early intervention: in the past, many individuals waited over seven years for an accurate diagnosis — and some up to 17 years before receiving effective treatment. That’s a long time to sit with scary thoughts and no support.
But that’s changing. Earlier diagnosis, better access to care, and more open conversations are becoming the new norm. We even heard someone mention OCD being taught in health class. HEALTH CLASS. That’s the kind of progress we dream of — and seeing it in real time gave us so much hope.
5. The effort matters — even when we can’t see it.
Selling bracelets online is tough. You don’t get to see the moment someone’s eyes widen when you tell them this jewelry was inspired by the work of therapists, people with OCD, and our own recovery. You don’t know who’s buying, or how they found you.
But this weekend reminded us: just because the impact isn’t always visible doesn’t mean it’s not real. Therapists told us they’ve recommended Presently to their clients. Some even use our bracelets in sessions. We were reminded that showing up matters — and that we’re helping, even when we don’t always see it.
We had the most incredible weekend at our very first #OCDcon. We’re still riding the wave of warmth, connection, and encouragement. This community is honest, welcoming, kind, and full of heart — and we’re so lucky to be a part of it.
To everyone who stopped by our booth: thank you for reminding us (not in an unhealthy reassurance-seeking way 😉) that what we’re doing truly matters.
Presently yours,
Lindsay & Emily
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