Thrilled to be sending a copy of ‘Skelly’s Square’ to Lily Bailey, author of ‘Because We Are Bad,’ the best memoir on OCD I have read. Lily is one of a number of talented mental health advocates who inspired me to write about my own experiences with this vicious, relentless, yet very misunderstood mental illness. If you struggling with your mental health during this ongoing pandemic then please do not suffer in silence. Seek help.
We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca.
We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised.
But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all.
We hope you enjoy the blog.
View more posts
8 thoughts on “OCD – Don’t Suffer In Silence”
Thanks for this post! And congrats on the book. I’ve been struggling the past few days with a nasty depression. Just have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach about all the political nastiness in the U.S. where I live.
The good news, though, is (like you said) I’m reaching out to people in recovery to keep the faith.
I too suffer from OCD but the strange thing is it developed later in life. I never used to have OCD symptoms that I am aware of (maybe that is the key that my awareness was lacking….). My anxiety and OCD surfaced about the same time as I got on working meds for my bipolar disorder symptoms. Don’t know if this is causal or circumstantial. My bipolar seems to present in mixed states which may explain the anxiety and perhaps the OCD too?
That’s interesting. Looking back mine was always there, it just flared up when I entered my twenties. I’m largely in control of it now but it’s always lurking. Keep fighting 🙂
One of the things I loved about Skelly’s Square was how the main characters struggle with life, one with OCD and the other with depression, among other things. Although it is a wonderful fantasy tale, it’s elements of realism spoke to me. It’s a wonderful story and I hope it is widely read.
I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you that mental health is important. Sadly, I am on of the many American’s that don’t have insurance. Sadly, many go without seeing doctors, therapist and more. I haven’t seen a doctor since 2016. I left therapy in 2018. Even though I am better now, It is scary to think about needing help, for either your physical or mental health, and not be able to get it.
Black Thoughts 
Thanks for this post! And congrats on the book. I’ve been struggling the past few days with a nasty depression. Just have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach about all the political nastiness in the U.S. where I live.
The good news, though, is (like you said) I’m reaching out to people in recovery to keep the faith.
God bless!
LikeLike
I too suffer from OCD but the strange thing is it developed later in life. I never used to have OCD symptoms that I am aware of (maybe that is the key that my awareness was lacking….). My anxiety and OCD surfaced about the same time as I got on working meds for my bipolar disorder symptoms. Don’t know if this is causal or circumstantial. My bipolar seems to present in mixed states which may explain the anxiety and perhaps the OCD too?
LikeLike
That’s interesting. Looking back mine was always there, it just flared up when I entered my twenties. I’m largely in control of it now but it’s always lurking. Keep fighting 🙂
LikeLike
One of the things I loved about Skelly’s Square was how the main characters struggle with life, one with OCD and the other with depression, among other things. Although it is a wonderful fantasy tale, it’s elements of realism spoke to me. It’s a wonderful story and I hope it is widely read.
LikeLike
Thank you very much Carol for the kind words. Much appreciated 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you that mental health is important. Sadly, I am on of the many American’s that don’t have insurance. Sadly, many go without seeing doctors, therapist and more. I haven’t seen a doctor since 2016. I left therapy in 2018. Even though I am better now, It is scary to think about needing help, for either your physical or mental health, and not be able to get it.
LikeLike
I hope you stay safe and well Amanda. Our National Health Service isn’t perfect but it’s free to all.
LikeLike