Touch and Go Joe, Updated Edition: A Teen's Experience of OCD

In this down-to-earth, fun and empowering book, Joe Wells talks about his teenage experience of OCD and all the coping mechanisms and treatment options that have worked for him. It's packed full of brilliant, honest advice for others struggling with this disorder, written by someone who understands what it's like to be a teen with OCD. This updated edition with all-new illustrations includes a brand-new chapter written 16 years later, detailing how Joe overcame his disorder and is now a successful comedian.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Dr. Amita Jassi and Isobel Heyman 7 Acknowledgements 9 What's This Book About? 11 Chapter 1. Worrying 13 Chapter 2. Poisoning of the Mind 18 Chapter 3. Only Human 22 Chapter 4. Guilty Mind 31 Chapter 5. Am I Going Mad? 36 Chapter 6. Learning to Count 41 Chapter 7. Keeping My Secret 45 Chapter 8. Learning to Walk the Walk 49 Chapter 9. OCD Abroad 52 Chapter 10. Getting Help 60 Chapter 11. Convincing Myself of OCD's Irrationality 68 Chapter 12. Challenging 72 Chapter 13. Depression and OCD 78 Chapter 14. Citalopram 83 Chapter 15. The Awful Truth 94 Chapter 16. Getting On With It 99 Chapter 17: 16 Years Later Epilogue. The 30 20 Diary 105 Appendix 1. Definition of OCD and CBT 110 Appendix 2. OCD Tips and Advice 114 Further Information 121 Index 125

About the Author :
At age 16, Joe Wells wrote Touch and Go Joe, sharing his experiences living with OCD from the age of 9. Since then, Joe has been working in comedy, in stand-up and writing for the BBC and magazines. Recently, he has been writing about mental health and neurodiversity. Dr Amita Jassi is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust). She lives in London, UK.

Review :
A candid and logical illustration of the irrational nonsense a mind can throw at us, Joe's unique story and powerful conclusions are much more informative and uplifting than anything I've managed to privately muster ('it really didn't matter how many times you tapped that door handle she was going to dump you anyway'.) This true story provides valuable insight into the life of a teenager and his experience of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Joe is a sixteen-year-old boy who writes openly about what it is like to live under the control of OCD and of his battle to regain control of his thoughts, feelings and actions. Joe offers a range of practical advice and coping strategies in the form of a summary at the end of each chapter and in the appendix, which makes this book a very valuable resource to inform and inspire people experiencing OCD and those close to them. This story will also allow other children and teenagers experiencing this disorder to realise they are not alone and that recovery is possible, a point professionals often struggle to portray. I would also recommend this book to those wanting to understand more about this interesting condition. The goes a long way to increase awareness and recognition of OCD and is a well written, easy to read story. Written by 16-year old Joe, a sufferer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) since he was 9, this book is an excellent read. The short chapters are well defined, with helpful summaries at the end of each one. It gives a fascinating insight to the world of someone with OCD, taking us through Joe's treatment and recovery, and charting the ups and downs of his life with OCD and the battle to overcome it. The book conveys a lot of information about the disorder, in a down-to earth and humorous way. It would be a helpful resource for family members of those with OCD, as well as teachers, youth workers and even for sufferers themselves. Thoroughly recommended. The book gives an insight that a text book or journal article could never do. It raises prominent issues of media negativity and societal stigma to diagnosis, and the effect on individuals. This book will be a useful tool for professionals, families, and most importantly anyone with OCD. This book is so useful that I'm now using it as a therapeutic intervention with a patient to help normalise and lift the stigma that they feel. This honest account will raise awareness of this common yet often misdiagnosed disorder and will be of interest to anyone who has suffered from or knows someone who suffers from OCD, including children, adolescents, teachers, mental health professionals, parents and carers. I feel as if I have been waiting for this book. Children and teenagers with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have been asking for this book for years. Joe comes across wise beyond his years when it comes to perception of OCD and how it should be treated, not to mention his very good sense of humour which is evident within the book. A fantastic achievement - as equally valuable as an inspiration for those with the condition and an insight for those who wish to understand it better. A brave and fascinating book. All these years later, Joe's experiences and the messages weaved into his story have stood the test of time and are still relevant and important for young people today. The key messages being - you are not alone, and you can get better!