Pure Ocd: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Dealing with mental illness has been a huge struggle in my life. I have had difficulty with intrusive thoughts for over a decade now. It is exhausting... I stopped looking for understanding or empathy from friends and family because most people just think I am sad about something simple. I can even feel that some of them think I am just being weak. They might say something like, "Oh, I have that too," and dismiss it. I don't blame them, because I totally get why they think that way. I would too if I wasn't experiencing this myself. It does make me feel lonely though. It is hard to pinpoint the origin of intrusive and obsessive thoughts. For some it may be random, and some may be the result of serious abuse. If the story is something you can relate to, hopefully it will give you some solace in solidarity, and give you the courage to seek proper help. This is not a therapy workbook or even a guidebook. If you can relate to Chrissie's story at all, then you have basically just encountered the first step. Onto the next!

As a OCD sufferer I have never read such a clear and concise account of what it is like to have OCD. Anyone who reads this will be able to empathize with the uncontrollable nature that OCD has on the sufferer. Pure O is a hidden illness, one that the sufferer is acutely aware of at every moment, while others would never guess the horribleness of the never ending loop that OCD intrusive thoughts berate the sufferer under. This book gives homage and understanding to the sufferer, and information to all others in excellent written format. Honestly, I don't think a book on this subject or the loop thought nature of Pure O could be written better. Thank you so much Chrissie for your courage and honesty regarding the writing of this memoir. So great!!!

Pure OCD provides deep insights into what it's like to suffer from a brain disorder such as OCD. One of the most important messages--people who struggle with mental illness can be amazingly effective at hiding their suffering from everyone, even those closest to them. Chrissie did that from the onset of her illness when she was 8. I kept wanting her to confide is her mother or father, a teacher, SOMEONE. She never did and it made me so sad to see this little girl trying to cope all alone. We all need to realize, be as aware as we can to the suffering of others. For insights into the extremes OCD can take and into the mind of someone with it, read this book.

Helpful book. Wished I could have access to more individual stories... religiosity and scrupulosity obsessions and ERP tactics.. will check out your blog

This book is written in so much detail and explains exactly what having ocd is like. And shows that you can definitely get better with the right treatment. Great book and thankful to the author for writing it for those that need this information.

So incredibly relevant. I never thought I would find a memoir (a whole book!!) on HOCD, something I suffered for years in such great and accurate detail. If you are suffering with what Chrissy describes (Pure O), please please tell someone. You don't even need to disclose the thoughts, just make sure you get a good therapist or allow those close to you to do research. You're not crazy, you're not alone. Every sentence was so painfully familiar, but she writes in such a way that it is easy and engaging to read. This book really gave me a perspective on the ocd demon and how completely irrational yet consuming it is.

I heard about Chrissie Hodges years ago when I was actively receiving treatment for my pure OCD. I was told that her story was very similar to my own, and at that time, I was desperate to hear someone else's story that would help to normalize my own. I had followed Chrissie's blog battlingtheocddemon.wordpress.com on a off for the past couple of years, and in February I saw that her book had finally been published. I instantly purchased her book, and couldn't put it down. Reading Chrissie's story often brought tears to my own eyes because I had experienced the same pain that she had. When dealing with Pure OCD, you want to have something to normalize what you have gone through, to know that you are not alone in this fight. And Chrissie's book does just that. Since reading her book, I have gotten to know Chrissie, and the thing that is most remarkable about this woman is to see where she has come from to where she is now. If you are looking for inspiration to overcome this battle, I recommend reading this book!

As a fellow OCD, Specifically Pure O, sufferer I was so happy to find this book and read it. It gave me great insight into my own struggles and let me know I'm not alone

And don't forget to follow her on social networks, she's so kind and very inspiring. The best book for those who suffer Pure OCD, she obviously knows the problem and she describes it in a very clear way.

This memoir is brave, raw and real. Thanks Chrissie for being the voice of many suffering in silence this illness

I would recommend this book to all ocd sufferers. It's provides a sense of belongingness and reduces feelings of loneliness.

If you'd like to understand what it's like to live with "Pure O", this book is a revealing and searing description of that experience from a sufferer's perspective. A must read for anyone hoping to understand OCD in it's less stereotypical forms.

I read this book as a fellow sufferer and I can relate to most in this book, if not all. It tells her story from prepubescent years into adulthood and her coupling with the therapeut that helps her see light in the tunnel. I read it in one go, it is real hard to put down. Masterfully written it is, with the storyline interspersed with exemples of her inner dialogue when she is triggered and her OCD takes the helm. It has helped me, so I can recommend it. Also, follow her channel on YouTube and if needed you can go to her website and request an appointment for referral and peer support.