Trigger warnings–those notices you may see before an article with upsetting information–can serve a helpful purpose in some situations. Abuse victims or people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be triggered by graphic sexual or violent content or imagery, and with “trigger warning” they can choose to stop reading. I see trigger warnings on a…
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Yes, I Still Obsess
Let this sink in: Recovery from OCD is a journey, not a destination. Since I’ve written a book about “how I learned to obsess less and live my life,” people sometimes ask me if I have overcome OCD or if I still obsess. The answer is that I don’t obsess like I used to, which…
Read MoreLena Dunham, NBC News, and Me
So I’ve waited a while to post this NBCnews.com article I was interviewed for, and I’ll tell you why: I have OCD. Hold on, you already knew that. I have OCD, and I’m a proofreader, and there are mistakes in my section of the article! I haven’t been able to let it go. I can’t tell you…
Read MoreWhat Is Reassurance, and What Exactly Is Wrong With It?
Reassurance. It has such a nice ring to it. And in many ways it is nice. If you feel lonely, your best friend might reassure you that she’ll always be there for you. If you think you’re doing poorly in a class, your teacher might reassure you that you’re doing well and that trying your hardest matters,…
Read MoreDealing with Misconceptions on the Internet
I can be really outspoken on divisive issues. I often find myself way too caught up in the comments section of some article about a politician or sparring with someone on Facebook over sexual inequality (and my husband always says, “Why do you do this to yourself? You’re never going to change this person’s mind.”).…
Read MoreAnother Interview with a Former HOCD Sufferer
Originally posted on JACKIE LEA SOMMERS:
One year ago (exactly!), I posted an interview with “Hannah,” a former HOCD sufferer who had found freedom from her obsessions and compulsions through ERP therapy. It’s gotten over 6300 views in the last year and is my second-most viewed post after “A Closer Look at HOCD.” Last summer, I…
It’s Not You, It’s Your OCD
Have you ever tried to spare someone’s feelings during a breakup by saying, “It’s not you, it’s me”? Well, when you dump OCD for good, go ahead and tell the truth: It’s you, OCD, not me. Dr. Lee Baer, OCD specialist, Harvard professor, and author, titled his book about intrusive thoughts The Imp of the Mind. That’s what…
Read MoreReducing Stigma and Standing up for the Truth–Even When It’s Hard
I recently wrote a piece for B Stigma-Free, a great new initiative that aims to–you guessed it–reduce stigma. Oftentimes I feel like I’m preaching to the choir when I write about how important mental health awareness is, and it’s in my day-to-day interactions with acquaintances and co-workers when I feel less confident in spreading the…
Read MoreHow Can School Counselors Help Students with OCD?
May is Mental Health Month! Today on the Free Spirit Publishing blog I break down some common misconceptions about OCD and talk about why it’s so important for school counselors to understand what’s behind intrusive thoughts, which can often be very disturbing. If a student is struggling with sexual or violent obsessions, he may be too…
Read MoreOCD, Depression, and Suicide: There Is Hope
It’s hard to believe OCD once had such a powerful hold on me I thought suicide might be the only way out. I’m so glad I got help when I did. Check out my latest blog post for the International OCD Foundation.
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Alison Dotson 