OCD often goes undiagnosed for years, sometimes even decades. And it’s no wonder–those suffering don’t always realize their obsessions are part of a disorder, and the symptoms aren’t always visible to loved ones. I’ve shared part of my story–including my years-long confusion–with Free Spirit Publishing blog readers today.
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I am the author of Being Me with OCD: How I Learned to Obsess Less and Live My Life, a nonfiction book for teens and young adults with OCD. Part memoir, part self-help guide, Being Me with OCD lets readers know they're not alone in their struggle to get better--and that there is hope.
OCD in the Workplace
As I mentioned earlier this week, it’s OCD Awareness Week! On Monday I participated in a chat about “coming out” with OCD, and last night I read excerpts from my book. Yikes! I’ve done a lot of sharing in just a few days. Not even my husband knew some of the things I’ve shared this…
Read MoreOCD Awareness Week
While I like to spread awareness about OCD all year long, OCD Awareness Week is a great time to get people’s attention with events and activities. On Monday I’ll be participating in a live chat for the International OCD Foundation, along with Shannon Shy and Jackie Lea Sommers. We’ll be fielding questions about how to…
Read MoreDo I Still Have OCD?
Seems like a silly question, huh? I have this blog about OCD, my book is coming out soon, I’m the newly minted president of OCD Twin Cities…But I considered it a question worth exploring. Read my latest blog post for the International OCD Foundation and weigh in in the comments section.
Read MoreOCD on the Radio
Today I had the immense pleasure of chatting with Chrissie Hodges on her show The Stigma of Mental Illness Radio. We realized over the course of the show how much we have in common and that we’re OCD kindred spirits. For years and years I felt completely alone with my obsessions, and lately I’ve come…
Read MoreOCD Twin Cities
You know how people say there’s some truth to every joke? Well, a few weeks ago the communications director at IOCDF mentioned that the president of the foundation’s Twin Cities chapter had moved, making it difficult to head up an affiliate in the city she didn’t even live in anymore. I wrote, “Maybe I should…
Read MoreElizabeth McIngvale, My Book, and Recovery
Several years ago, when I first started to suspect I might have OCD, I visited the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) site—a lot. I would check my symptoms against their list of common obsessions and compulsions, wondering over and over (and over) whether I might have OCD. Whether I could be helped. At that time, IOCDF…
Read MoreThanks a Lot, Guys
I have a book reading coming up in October (more details to come!), and as my three-year-old nephew would say, I’m super-duper nervous about it. A friend suggested that I practice on my dogs first. This was their response. I guess I need to practice more.
Read MoreThe Amazingly Awesome, Always Incredible OCD Community
Having OCD isn’t exactly a treat. But since I was diagnosed several years ago, I’ve been consistently impressed with the OCD community. Whether it’s another person with OCD, a psychiatrist who specializes in OCD, an author, or OCD support groups, I’ve found one thing in common: an unwavering willingness to help. I’ve known this for…
Read MoreTalking About OCD—Like, With Another Person
I’ve been writing about OCD a lot lately. And I’ve been mentioning it to a lot of people, because when I mention I have a book coming out their first question is “What’s it about?” But I’m not sure I’ve ever actually sat down with another person who not only has OCD but is doing…
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Alison Dotson 