Description
Book SynopsisIn this down-to-earth, fun and empowering book, Joe Wells talks about his teenage experience of OCD and all the coping mechanisms and treatment options that have worked for him. It's packed full of brilliant, honest advice for others struggling with this disorder, written by someone who understands what it's like to be a teen with OCD. This updated edition with all-new illustrations includes a brand-new chapter written 16 years later, detailing how Joe overcame his disorder and is now a successful comedian.
Trade ReviewA candid and logical illustration of the irrational nonsense a mind can throw at us, Joe's unique story and powerful conclusions are much more informative and uplifting than anything I've managed to privately muster ('it really didn't matter how many times you tapped that door handle she was going to dump you anyway'.) -- Tom Rosenthal, actor and comedian
This true story provides valuable insight into the life of a teenager and his experience of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Joe is a sixteen-year-old boy who writes openly about what it is like to live under the control of OCD and of his battle to regain control of his thoughts, feelings and actions. Joe offers a range of practical advice and coping strategies in the form of a summary at the end of each chapter and in the appendix, which makes this book a very valuable resource to inform and inspire people experiencing OCD and those close to them. This story will also allow other children and teenagers experiencing this disorder to realise they are not alone and that recovery is possible, a point professionals often struggle to portray. I would also recommend this book to those wanting to understand more about this interesting condition. The goes a long way to increase awareness and recognition of OCD and is a well written, easy to read story. -- Children, Young People, and Families
Written by 16-year old Joe, a sufferer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) since he was 9, this book is an excellent read. The short chapters are well defined, with helpful summaries at the end of each one. It gives a fascinating insight to the world of someone with OCD, taking us through Joe's treatment and recovery, and charting the ups and downs of his life with OCD and the battle to overcome it. The book conveys a lot of information about the disorder, in a down-to earth and humorous way. It would be a helpful resource for family members of those with OCD, as well as teachers, youth workers and even for sufferers themselves. Thoroughly recommended. -- Education Otherwise
The book gives an insight that a text book or journal article could never do. It raises prominent issues of media negativity and societal stigma to diagnosis, and the effect on individuals. This book will be a useful tool for professionals, families, and most importantly anyone with OCD. This book is so useful that I'm now using it as a therapeutic intervention with a patient to help normalise and lift the stigma that they feel. -- The Psychologist
This honest account will raise awareness of this common yet often misdiagnosed disorder and will be of interest to anyone who has suffered from or knows someone who suffers from OCD, including children, adolescents, teachers, mental health professionals, parents and carers. -- Autism Us
I feel as if I have been waiting for this book. Children and teenagers with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have been asking for this book for years. -- From the foreword by Isobel Heyman
Joe comes across wise beyond his years when it comes to perception of OCD and how it should be treated, not to mention his very good sense of humour which is evident within the book. -- OCD UK
A fantastic achievement - as equally valuable as an inspiration for those with the condition and an insight for those who wish to understand it better. A brave and fascinating book. -- Jarvis Cocker, Pulp
All these years later, Joe's experiences and the messages weaved into his story have stood the test of time and are still relevant and important for young people today. The key messages being - you are not alone, and you can get better! -- From the foreword by Amita Jassi, Consultant Clinical Psychologist National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic for Young People, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
Table of ContentsForeword by Dr. Amita Jassi and Isobel Heyman 7
Acknowledgements 9
What's This Book About? 11
Chapter 1. Worrying 13
Chapter 2. Poisoning of the Mind 18
Chapter 3. Only Human 22
Chapter 4. Guilty Mind 31
Chapter 5. Am I Going Mad? 36
Chapter 6. Learning to Count 41
Chapter 7. Keeping My Secret 45
Chapter 8. Learning to Walk the Walk 49
Chapter 9. OCD Abroad 52
Chapter 10. Getting Help 60
Chapter 11. Convincing Myself of OCD's
Irrationality 68
Chapter 12. Challenging 72
Chapter 13. Depression and OCD 78
Chapter 14. Citalopram 83
Chapter 15. The Awful Truth 94
Chapter 16. Getting On With It 99
Chapter 17: 16 Years Later
Epilogue. The 30 20 Diary 105
Appendix 1. Definition of OCD and CBT 110
Appendix 2. OCD Tips and Advice 114
Further Information 121
Index 125
