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I SHOULD NOT BE HERE: My journey with OCD, PTSD, and depression, and what kept me above water
What if the very struggles that nearly broke you became the map that guides someone else to survive?
In I Should Not Be Here, Karen B. Gerson shares her raw, unflinching memoir of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression. From a childhood shaped by silence and trauma to adulthood spent battling invisible wars in her own mind, Karen’s story is one of survival against the odds and those who walked beside her with unwavering support.
Through haunting memories, honest reflections, and the voices of loved ones who walked beside her, this memoir reveals the ripple effects of mental illness on both the individual and their family. It is a story of fear and rituals, of love and resilience, of the unbearable weight of silence, and the healing power of breaking it.
At its core, this book is more than a story. It is a lifeline. A reminder that even in the darkest hours, you are not alone, you are not broken, and healing is still possible.
If you have ever faced mental illness or loved someone who has, let this memoir be your companion, your mirror, and your map.
Start reading today and discover the strength that comes from still being here.
Karen B. Gerson has lived in Leawood, Kansas, for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio—the Buckeye State. Karen began her education at Stephens College and earned a Bachelor of Science in K–8 Education from The Ohio State University. She later received her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
Karen has taught in both public and private school settings. Her passion for education led her to a 20+ year career in the Jewish community, where she specialized in program development, implementation, and relationship-building for children and young adults. She also spent several years working for First Call, an organization that reduces the impact of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse disorders. She continues to serve this organization in multiple ways, including being on the Board of Directors.
She lives in Leawood with her husband, Jeffry, and two sons, Gilli and Eitan. One of their family's favorite pastimes is soccer, either watching her boys play or Sporting Kansas City.
Karen enjoys practicing yoga, working out, traveling (especially to Israel and Costa Rica), reading, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.
In I Should Not Be Here, Karen B. Gerson shares her raw, unflinching memoir of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression. From a childhood shaped by silence and trauma to adulthood spent battling invisible wars in her own mind, Karen’s story is one of survival against the odds and those who walked beside her with unwavering support.
Through haunting memories, honest reflections, and the voices of loved ones who walked beside her, this memoir reveals the ripple effects of mental illness on both the individual and their family. It is a story of fear and rituals, of love and resilience, of the unbearable weight of silence, and the healing power of breaking it.
At its core, this book is more than a story. It is a lifeline. A reminder that even in the darkest hours, you are not alone, you are not broken, and healing is still possible.
If you have ever faced mental illness or loved someone who has, let this memoir be your companion, your mirror, and your map.
Start reading today and discover the strength that comes from still being here.
Karen B. Gerson has lived in Leawood, Kansas, for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio—the Buckeye State. Karen began her education at Stephens College and earned a Bachelor of Science in K–8 Education from The Ohio State University. She later received her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
Karen has taught in both public and private school settings. Her passion for education led her to a 20+ year career in the Jewish community, where she specialized in program development, implementation, and relationship-building for children and young adults. She also spent several years working for First Call, an organization that reduces the impact of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse disorders. She continues to serve this organization in multiple ways, including being on the Board of Directors.
She lives in Leawood with her husband, Jeffry, and two sons, Gilli and Eitan. One of their family's favorite pastimes is soccer, either watching her boys play or Sporting Kansas City.
Karen enjoys practicing yoga, working out, traveling (especially to Israel and Costa Rica), reading, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
18 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 28, 2025
I Should Not Be Here is a courageous and deeply compassionate memoir that sheds light on the often-silent battles of OCD, PTSD, and depression. Karen B. Gerson writes with honesty and grace, offering a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of support, and the healing found in speaking one’s truth. This book is both moving and affirming a meaningful read for anyone touched by mental illness, whether personally or through a loved one.
January 8, 2026
Trauma
This book is about Karen Gerson and what she went through in her life. She had mental health illnesses; OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression and more. Her entire life was a struggle, but she continued to fight for it & get well. She had therapists, a husband and friends who helped her through it. Sadly, her parents didn’t. A good read. I’m glad I read it.
This book is about Karen Gerson and what she went through in her life. She had mental health illnesses; OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression and more. Her entire life was a struggle, but she continued to fight for it & get well. She had therapists, a husband and friends who helped her through it. Sadly, her parents didn’t. A good read. I’m glad I read it.
January 14, 2026
This is my personal memior about my mental health journey with my loved ones thoughts and experiences intertwinded into my story. I know that this book is helping those whom have mental health challenges like depression, OCD and PTSD and others are reading it to better understand loved ones who suffer.
January 1, 2026
I Should Not Be Here
The most relevant book I have downloaded. Would recommend for anyone who
has struggled with mental illness. I could relate because of the way the author told her story. It touched my heart.
The most relevant book I have downloaded. Would recommend for anyone who
has struggled with mental illness. I could relate because of the way the author told her story. It touched my heart.
January 8, 2026
This is a beautiful memoir written about the depths of depression, ocd and trauma. Relatable and inspiring. The authors writing style is raw, engaging and meaningful.
I’ll shelf this as a re read on my list. Easy to follow and quick read for me
I’ll shelf this as a re read on my list. Easy to follow and quick read for me
November 19, 2025
From the author ( I highly recommend!)
”If you have ever faced mental illness or loved someone who has, let this memoir be your companion, your mirror, and your map.” -Karen B Gerson
”If you have ever faced mental illness or loved someone who has, let this memoir be your companion, your mirror, and your map.” -Karen B Gerson
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews