Erin Margaret Northey is an impassioned advocate for mental health and a first-time author whose memoir, How I Thought I Might Kill My Husband: A Journey Through OCD, is deeply personal and courageous. This book opens readers' eyes to the complexities of living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) within the often misunderstood realities of living with mental health challenges.
Through unvarnished storytelling, Erin details the initial shock of being diagnosed with OCD, the torture caused by intrusive thoughts, and withdrawing from medications while facing hospitalization. In this inspiring memoir, she guides the readers through a healing journey of self-discovery. Resilience and hope define this book that dares to look into the stigma surrounding mental illness while seeking a broader understanding and acceptance of mental health.
A Courageous Journey Through Mental Illness
Beneath all this is her life with Harm OCD, the least common subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It's a sort of intrusive thought of causing harm to oneself or to others. She describes candidly how these thoughts, especially of harming her husband, emotionally bled and monopolized her life, full of panic, guilt, and isolation.
One of the turning points in her story was when she opened up to her mother about her fears. It led to her getting a formal diagnosis of OCD and admission into a psychiatric ward, which became the beginning of her journey to recovery. Erin's courage in discussing such a private and stigmatized issue offers hope to people and families struggling with mental health issues.
More Than a Memoir: A Resource for Mental Health Professionals and Families
While intensely personal, How I Thought I Might Kill My Husband: A Journey Through OCD serves as a valuable resource for those living with mental health disorders, as well as for therapists, counselors, and advocates. The book tackles critical issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Medication withdrawal and discontinuation syndrome
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Erin explores evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which played pivotal roles in her recovery. Her insights are both practical and relatable, making this book an essential read for anyone impacted by mental health challenges.
Mental health professionals will find Erin's firsthand account invaluable for gaining deeper empathy and understanding of OCD and its effects. The book underscores the importance of patient-centered care and compassion in therapy.
Breaking the Stigma: A Call to Action for Mental Health Advocacy
Erin’s memoir is more than a personal narrative—it’s a rallying cry for mental health awareness and advocacy. The book emphasizes:
- Ending the stigma surrounding mental health disorders.
- Encouraging individuals to seek help and embrace vulnerability.
- Building supportive communities for those navigating mental health journeys.
- Including lived experiences in mental health policies and services.
By sharing her story, Erin challenges societal misconceptions about OCD and mental illness. She addresses systemic barriers to care and advocates for increased accessibility and understanding of mental health support systems. Her work is a powerful contribution to the ongoing fight for mental health equity.
Key Themes and Messages
Erin’s memoir resonates with readers from all walks of life, addressing themes such as:
- The Reality of Living with OCD: Breaking down myths, especially surrounding Harm OCD and intrusive thoughts.
- Medication Withdrawal and Impact: Highlighting the challenges of discontinuation syndrome and finding the right balance of medication.
- Healing and Growth: Showcasing Erin’s steps to recovery through therapy, self-reflection, and advocacy.
- Lived Experiences: Advocating for the inclusion of real-world mental health experiences in policymaking.
- Therapeutic Insights: Making concepts like CBT and ERP accessible and understandable for all readers.
A Memoir That Sparks Hope and Empathy
What sets Erin’s story apart is her unapologetic honesty. She shares the darkest moments of her struggle with mental health with bravery and vulnerability. Her memoir is a relatable and powerful read, offering hope to those facing similar challenges and tools to foster better mental health awareness.
Readers will come away with practical strategies for managing mental health, a deeper understanding of OCD, and the inspiring message that recovery is achievable.
About the Author
Erin Margaret Northey is a passionate mental health advocate and first-time author residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Her work has focused on education and human services, providing support to at-risk communities, and raising awareness about mental health.
The key outlet during Erin's mental health journey was writing, and since publishing her memoir, she can claim to have empowered herself to share it with others as a way to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness. Outside of work, Erin loves to explore Edmonton's River Valley, sample new local dining spots, and engage the community in open discussions about mental health.
Praise for Erin Margaret Northey
“Erin tells it like it is. Her story is raw, brave, and necessary in today’s world. She’s a powerful advocate for mental health awareness.”
“Through her writing, Erin gives a voice to those who feel alone in their mental health struggles. Her memoir is a must-read for anyone impacted by mental illness.”
Contact Information
To learn more or to schedule an interview with Erin Margaret Northey, please contact:
Erin Margaret Northey
- Email: erinmnorthey@gmail.com
- Instagram: @erin._.margaret
- Phone: +1 780-991-7346
Media Contact
Company Name: New York Publishers
Contact Person: Erin Margaret Northey
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1 (780) 991-7346
Address:10130 114 St NW #301
City: Edmonton
State: AB
Country: Canada
Website: https://www.nypublishers.co/
