Alison Dotson - Being Me with OCD: How I Learned to Obsess Less and Live My Life

by Elizabeth McIngvale, LMSW

At the age of 12 my life was turned upside down. I found myself overcome by obsessive thoughts. I worried so much about keeping my family members safe and many other things that I constantly engaged in rituals in an attempt to keep these obsessions at bay. I tried to hide my rituals because, like Alison Dotson, I was ashamed of my behavior. I was lost, scared, and alone.

Soon, I could no longer conceal what was going on, and I broke down and explained it all to my mom. With her help, I learned that I was living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Fast-forward three years later, and OCD had taken over my life. My OCD centered around scrupulosity (the religious form of OCD), contamination, color and number issues, and hyper-responsibility. I often got stuck in rituals such as washing or walking and re-walking over certain areas in my house. My rituals soon took up the majority of my days, and I was no longer the carefree girl everyone knew from three years before. I was homebound by this illness and couldnt find the help I needed.

Eventually, my parents found an inpatient clinic that specialized in OCD. Shortly after my 15th birthday, I was checked into this clinic, and once again my life was turned upside downthis time for the better. I learned how to successfully manage my OCD with cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically exposure and response prevention (the gold standard for OCD treatment). With hard work and dedication, I was able to regain my life and diminish my OCD symptoms. I was no longer scared and aloneI was hopeful and determined to manage my OCD.

Although I continue to live with OCD and have had ups and downs along the way, I now have the tools I need to manage my illness. Some days are harder than others, but I know I can live the life that I deserve to live by continuing my exposures with response (ritual) prevention. My experiences have inspired me to help others with this illness. Like Alison has done by sharing her story in this book, I have spoken publicly about my struggles with OCD and have opened my life for others to see. Sharing my story can be very difficult, but it has been well worth it if I have helped even one person.

As someone who, like me, has hit rock bottom and fought her way back up, Alison shares my dedication to helping others. In Being Me with OCD , you will find stories that may ring true to your experiences, stories that are surprising, sad, and heartbreakingly funny. You will find words of encouragement, tools to help you get through the day, a collection of helpful resources, and one important, life-affirming message: You are not alone. There is help.

In my work at the International OCD Foundation, the Peace of Mind Foundation, and the OCD Challenge, I am inspired time and time again by the stories of others who live with OCD. Telling your story is never easy, but I have seen the power of these stories to help others find the strength to fight their own OCD. I hope you will find hope and inspiration in Alisons story. I commend her for her courage and devotion to helping others living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Even after therapists told my family that my OCD was too severe to be treated, I found the help that I needed. My life was changed forever. No matter how hopeless you might feel at times, you can do the same. There is help, and there is hope.