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Part memoir, part self-help for teens, Being Me with OCD tells the story of how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) dragged the author to rock bottom—and how she found hope, got help, and eventually climbed back to a fuller, happier life.
In the United States, about 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 200 kids have obsessive-compulsive disorder; the age of onset in more than 50 percent of adult cases is before age fifteen. Using anecdotes, self-reflection, guest essays, and thorough research, Dotson explains what OCD is and how readers with OCD can begin to get better. The essays in the book by teens with OCD provide additional perspectives of OCD so all readers can see themselves reflected in the book. With humor, specific advice, and an inspiring, been-there-beat-that attitude, readers will find the book simultaneously touching and practical.
Praise for Being Me with OCD
“This book offers young people a candid, compassionate view of an often misunderstood problem.”—Foreword Reviews
“Dotson shares her personal story of a lifetime struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in this honest, often-humorous title . . . By sharing her story, she aims to reassure teens with OCD that they aren’t alone and to encourage them to get help as soon as possible so that they can lead richer, fuller lives. Dotson employs an informal, conversational tone that will resonate with teens.”—School Library Journal
“Dotson combines her experiences with personal stories from teenagers, information on treatment, and advice on handling common situations, like dating and school. She does an excellent job balancing the personal and practical . . . A valuable addition to any collection serving teens.”—VOYA
“A wise and compassionate model for teens and young adults who have been newly diagnosed with OCD or are considering seeking out a diagnosis . . . This would also be an ideal guide for friends and family members of those afflicted.”—Booklist
“Conceptualizing yourself as facing a treatable challenge (instead of being unlovable) can be overwhelming. Dotson’s compassionate and well-written story of navigating this journey makes for an excellent guide through otherwise confusing territory for the newly diagnosed. I look forward to recommending it to clients.”—Jon Hershfield, MFT, psychotherapist at OCD and Anxiety Center of Greater Baltimore and author of The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD and When a Family Member Has OCD
Alison has also spoken about her experiences with OCD on NBC, Khaleej Times, Blisstree, Health.com, and in The Atlantic, Glamour, and Huffington Post.