This week, The Now What Pod is joined by author Emily Barth Isler. Emily shares her story of being diagnosed and living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She describes the challenges of learning to harness her OCD as a Superpower, including the painstaking decision to take or not take medication for it. The interview includes discussion of mental health and hormones, her journey with going on and off medication, being in therapy, pop culture portrayal of OCD, and so much more. 

Topics Discussed:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Synesthesia 

Seeking Help for Mental Health

Medication for Mental Health

Deciding to Take Medication

Anxiety Symptoms

Going on and off Medication

Mental Health and Hormones

Opening up to others about OCD

Trauma Responses 

Disclosing Mental Health

Pop Culture Portrayal of OCD

Resources:

Order Emily’s Book: https://amzn.to/3DxGZ1O

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432#:~:text=Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)%20features%20a%20pattern%20of%20unwanted,activities%20and%20cause%20significant%20distress.

Synesthesia https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-synesthesia#:~:text=Synesthesia%20Test-,What%20Is%20Synesthesia%3F,%22Alex%22%20and%20see%20green.

The Now What Pod Episode Quotes: 

“There will be times when you will not feel that way.”

“This isn't forever. You are not going to feel like this forever. Feel it today, and cry, and hug me tight. This is okay. Feel these feelings… but I want to remind you that you won't always feel like this”

“It would be helpful if we all viewed mental health on a spectrum”

“Not everybody deserves my story”

“I’m sad for the people that still feel like they have to whisper it, that they're going to therapy”

About Emily Barth Isler:

Emily Barth Isler is the author of the award-winning book AfterMath, a middle grade novel about grief, resilience, friendship, math, and mime. Activist and comedian Amy Schumer calls the book "a gift to the culture." Emily lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two kids. A former child actress, she performed all over the world in theatre, film, and TV. In addition to books, Emily writes about sustainable, eco-friendly beauty and skincare, and has also written web sitcoms, parenting columns, and personal essays. She has a B.A. in Film Studies from Wesleyan University, and really, really loves television. 

Website: www.emilybarthisler.com

 IG: @emilybarthisler

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