In recent years, OCD has become more publically discussed, with celebrities coming forward and admitting they are afflicted by the condition.  Yet when David Beckham went public with his diagnosis, much of the world made jokes and laughed.  There was little consideration for his lifelong struggle with his own mind, or the difficulties it might pose for his family.  There was even less acknowledgment that most people are at least a little obsessive-compulsive themselves.

Despite the growing awareness of such conditions, stereotypes persist…and an inspiring group of people have decided to do something about that.

‘Check Mates’, edited by Vrinda Pendred, is the first ever collection of fiction, poetry and artwork about OCD, by people with OCD – the real experts on the subject.  It also marks the launch of Conditional Publications, the only dedicated publishing house for writers with any kind of neurological condition.

Divided between ‘Realism’ and the ‘Beyond’, this book drives the absurdity and horror of OCD straight home.  It has been put together by writers and artists from around the world, and showcases a wide range of emotions, from love to hate, joy to rage, fear and sorrow to hope and optimism.  There’s even a little bit of humour!  Everyone will find something to relate to.

What it doesn’t do is shy away from the truth.  Every angle is covered, no matter how painful, which makes for a startling and moving read.

If you have OCD, you’re going to find yourself in this book and realise you’re definitely not alone.  If you don’t have OCD…you’re probably going to find a little of yourself anyway, because that’s what this book does: it forces us to look at our own neuroses.  I think this book is set to crack wide open a few stereotypes that have been flying around for far too long.

And as if that’s not enough, part of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to OCD charities.

‘Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD’ is coming to Amazon on 11 May 2010.  To show support of this inspirational new book, a collection of authors, coaches and healers from around the world will be giving away free online gifts if you purchase the book on its launch date of 11th May.

AND … Vrinda Pendred, the editor of ‘Check Mates’, is giving away an EXTRA special gift of her own: ‘The Passenger’, an unpublished short story about Tourette Syndrome.

Click here for insights into what parents and teachers should know about OCD kids.

Click here to read a personal take on how OCD impacts relationships.

Usually when you read books on these conditions, they will be medical non-fiction or a parents’ guide to raising their afflicted child.  Too rarely are the true experts – the sufferers themselves – given a chance to tell us what it’s really like to live with such disorders.

Conditional Publications is going to change all this.  This brand new, much-needed niche company is run entirely by people with nervous disorders, so they understand the subjects and the frustrations experienced by so many sufferers on a daily basis.

The company’s exciting entrance onto the publishing scene is marked with its first major release, ‘Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD’, coming to Amazon on 11 May 2010.  Astoundingly, this is the first ever book of its kind…but it’s definitely not the last.

Divided between ‘Realism’ and the ‘Beyond’, this book drives the absurdity and horror of OCD straight home.  It has been put together by writers and artists from around the world, and showcases a wide range of emotions, from love to hate, joy to rage, fear and sorrow to hope and optimism.  There’s even a little bit of humour!  Everyone will find something to relate to.

What it doesn’t do is shy away from the truth.  Every angle is covered, no matter how painful, which makes for a startling and moving read.

If you have OCD, you’re going to find yourself in this book and realise you’re definitely not alone.  If you don’t have OCD…you’re probably going to find a little of yourself anyway, because that’s what this book does: it forces us to look at our own neuroses.  I think this book is set to crack wide open a few stereotypes that have been flying around for far too long.

And as if that’s not enough, part of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to OCD charities.

‘Check Mates: A Collection of Fiction, Poetry and Artwork about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, by People with OCD’ is coming to Amazon on 11 May 2010.  To show support of this inspirational new book, a collection of authors, coaches and healers from around the world will be giving away free online gifts if you purchase the book on its launch date of 11th May.

AND … Vrinda Pendred, the editor of ‘Check Mates’, is giving away an EXTRA special gift of her own: ‘The Passenger’, an unpublished short story about Tourette Syndrome.

Be sure to sign up for a “launch reminder” HERE, and then mark your diary for May 11^th!

And be sure to sign up for a reminder to buy the book on its launch date of 11 May and a chance to claim some free online goodies as a thank you.

The recorded interview is now being featured as the website’s Empowerment Call of the Week.  To listen, you can call a number and enter an access code for the specific episode.  Full details, as taken from the website, are as follows:

March 19, 2010

Overcoming Obstacles with Vrinda Pendred

Attendee Dial-in #: (712) 432-1011

Attendee Access Code: 480547930#

Sometimes we need to see life through another person’s view. This very inspiring interview will help you see that any of the obstacles before you are temporary – you can get around them in one way or another! Vrinda has created some amazing things in her life by working through. past, and over her own obstacles. Key#4 to an AMAZING life – never give up!

It has robbed so much of my life and affected many friendships.  I’ve been on over a dozen medications since then (about 16 years now) and have been in therapy as well.  Not only do I struggle with OCD, but I have also been diagnosed with Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and possibly a couple others that have caused me to be in several in-patient and out-patient programs and hopsitals within the last 6 years.

I wish I could be more positive and uplifting, and tell you the struggle will eventually end and  it only gets better as time goes on, but I can’t and I won’t.  Realistically, I believe it’s something I’m always going to struggle with greatly.  I believe the symptoms will wax and wane throughout life, but always remain a constant in my life.  A lot of days, I wonder how I made it so far or how I’m going to make it through the rest of my life like this, and the only semi-uplifting thing I can tell you is…somehow, I always seem to make it through the day, and all I can do is pray and hope for a brighter tomorrow.