The Joy Thief

A personal and practical guide to navigating the complex world of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

When Penny Moodie hears people say that they're 'a bit OCD' about cleaning or tidying, she can't help but feel frustrated. It took her twenty-three years to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder – a debilitating mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts and accompanying physical or mental compulsions – and the stigma and misunderstanding around OCD means this kind of delay is all too common.

Weaving her personal experience with the stories of other OCD sufferers, as well as the expertise of some of the world's leading OCD doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists, Penny explores OCD's symptoms, stigmas and treatments with raw honesty and zero judgement. From childhood OCD, shame and medication to perinatal mental illness, relationship OCD and group therapy, this book provides an expansive and very personal insight into the complexities of the condition – and the life-changing impact that best-practice treatment can have.

An invaluable resource for those suffering from OCD, as well as for their families and loved ones, The Joy Thief shines some much-needed light and hope on a disorder that is too often minimised and misunderstood.

'Generous, intimate and mind-opening. This book helps those living with OCD feel understood, and helps those who don't to understand. Rarely does a book absorb readers in such intimate, challenging subject matter, only to leave them feeling truly hopeful at its close.' Jamila Rizvi

About the Author

Penny is a writer, OCD advocate, mum of three tiny people and social work student. She has a background in media and communications and has previously worked as a communications specialist in the mental health, non-profit and health communications sectors. Penny has a Masters of Global Media Communications. She lives in Melbourne with her kids, husband, and a disastrously naughty black Labrador. Penny co-created the website soocd.com.au to help others to navigate the world of OCD.