Stuff That's Loud: A Teen's Guide to Unspiraling When OCD Gets Noisy

by Ben Sedley, Lisa Coyne

An OCD book just for you—full of fun, engaging illustrations and powerful tools to help you turn the volume down on your worst symptoms.

Do you have thoughts that seem loud? Do your worries spiral out of control and then suck you in? Do intrusive thoughts show up and make you scared of doing certain things—or not doing things—a certain way? Do you ever get a feeling like something bad might happen? Does this loud stuff make you feel alone, or worse—crazy?

First, you aren’t alone—even if it sometimes feels that way. And second, you are not crazy. You’re a teen with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And while OCD can be difficult to manage, you can manage it. In fact, you can do more than just manage it. You can live a life full of meaning, great relationships, and joy with the help of this book.

In Stuff That’s Loud, you’ll find fun and proven-effective exercises and tools based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help you break free from loud, spiraling OCD thoughts and behaviors. In this book, you’ll find:

Mindfulness skills to help you “unspiral” when OCD gets loud Tips for dealing with anxiety, depression, shame, and avoidance Inspiration to live a life according to your own values Information on sleep and stress—and how they affect your OCD  

You don’t have to be defined by your OCD. With practice, you can learn to master your OCD, find relief from symptoms, and live a full and meaningful life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology, Mental Illness

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Ben Sedley is an experienced clinical psychologist using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for twenty years in both primary health centres and community mental health teams in New Zealand and London, working with adults, as well as children, adolescents and families facing mental health difficulties. Currently, Ben works in private practice and is co-founder of ACT Wellington.

He is also the father of three wonderful noisy kids and loves The Ramones and The Clash

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written well considering the fact that it is targeted to the young age group of teenagers. I find the chapters easy to grasp and read without feeling nagged or intimidated. I feel this is the most important thing to consider when it comes to books like this. Mental health issues are something which is still a taboo to talk about openly and yes, more difficult to diagnose or express amongst the younger age groups. I was surprised to find a case mentioned in the book about a girl getting diagnosed of OCD at a young age of 9. Even the medical world is still in a dilemma when it comes to mental health considering the fact that even the mental health program is comparatively new compared to other health programmes. Still there's a lot to learn. This book doesn't mince words, talks about OCDs in such a way that the readers, especially the teenagers, would not take much time and actually follow the simple tips in such a way that it urges the one with OCD to feel like they can do it one way or the other. It talks about how to involve others, especially the parents, on how to deal with it or overcome such issues. I totally appreciate the simple way of writing and also the relevant quotations and illustrations in between.
However, as an adult and someone who wants to know about OCDs a little better, I find the examples or cases a little too less in order to know how much OCDs affect the lives of young people of different ages and other relevant factors that might lead to such. I feel the part of other relevant people in the lives of such young people like the peers, relatives, teachers, the neighbours are lacking. They do play an important role.

Overall, the book can be regarded as a beginner's guide to know OCDs better and what we can do.

Thank you #NetGalley for the book #StuffsThatsLoud

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written well considering the fact that it is targeted to the young age group of teenagers. I find the chapters easy to grasp and read without feeling nagged or intimidated. I feel this is the most important thing to consider when it comes to books like this. Mental health issues are something which is still a taboo to talk about openly and yes, more difficult to diagnose or express amongst the younger age groups. I was surprised to find a case mentioned in the book about a girl getting diagnosed of OCD at a young age of 9. Even the medical world is still in a dilemma when it comes to mental health considering the fact that even the mental health program is comparatively new compared to other health programmes. Still there's a lot to learn. This book doesn't mince words, talks about OCDs in such a way that the readers, especially the teenagers, would not take much time and actually follow the simple tips in such a way that it urges the one with OCD to feel like they can do it one way or the other. It talks about how to involve others, especially the parents, on how to deal with it or overcome such issues. I totally appreciate the simple way of writing and also the relevant quotations and illustrations in between.
However, as an adult and someone who wants to know about OCDs a little better, I find the examples or cases a little too less in order to know how much OCDs affect the lives of young people of different ages and other relevant factors that might lead to such. I feel the part of other relevant people in the lives of such young people like the peers, relatives, teachers, the neighbours are lacking. They do play an important role.

Overall, the book can be regarded as a beginner's guide to know OCDs better and what we can do.

Thank you #NetGalley for the book #StuffsThatsLoud

[Emma Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...



Initial Impressions: If you follow my reviews, you'll know that I suffer from OCD and am always looking for ways to end the compulsions and negative thoughts that constantly loom in the back of my mind. Not only is OCD under-addressed in YA fiction, it's popularly misunderstood to be a personality type that likes things organized. In a way, it is that, but there is so much more to it! OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes obsessive and irrational thoughts about harm, sex, health, family, perfection, morality, safety, and the future. These thoughts often cause habits that take up hours of the day which are meant to "avoid bad things happening." As soon as I saw "teen's guide to OCD" I was hooked!

Opinions: Stuff That's Loud is an inclusive, insightful, easy-to-read guide for teens looking for advice and support. It explains OCD thoroughly to young minds and shines light on the fact that everything is completely normal but happiness is only achieved when you make an effort. In every chapter, there are anecdotes from OCD teens, tips on how to control compulsions and thoughts, and explanations of what is actually happening in your brain. This was all very realistic and useful, but I mostly enjoyed the context that was included. Sedley didn't pretend OCD was a one-off thing that's fixed in an hour; he admitted that it's hassle for you and your family but gave suggestions on how to make life outside of OCD easier. This is what appeals to teens: the emotional aspect! We aren't interested in following steps and timing things and reading articles, we just want accessible and straightforward help! Reading Stuff That's Loud was beneficial, positive thought-provoking, and negative thought-suppressing! I strongly recommend this book if you or your teenage are looking for a fresh take on everything to do with OCD! I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy in May!

My Favourite Thing: Like I said above, Stuff That's Loud covers everything in the realm of OCD! We're given tips on controlling the compulsions and thoughts, comfort from other teens, sentence starters for talking to family members, negative-thought-spotting games, and advice for managing anxiety at school. I wasn't overwhelmed with too much in-depth information about one topic nor was I bored because I learned so much about so many different things to look forward to (as long as I do my work)! Stuff That's Loud is the perfect balance between learning, comforting, supporting, and looking forward to the future.

My Least Favourite Thing: In all honesty, I can't think of a single thing I dislike about Stuff That's Loud. It was insightful and realistic; pretty much all you desire from self-help books!

[Olivia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a helpful read (and something I wish I had come across earlier in my life!) it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences, feel seen and validated, and be given ways to move foreword. I think I’ll be coming back to this book/some of the exercises as well. Thanks to my amazing pal for the recommendation ❤️

[Amy Mariaskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to attend a continuing education webinar last year with the authors, and they introduced some of the content from the book during the sessions. As a group, we learned theory, practiced mindfulness, and engaged in experiential activities to unhook from thoughts and identify values. I was a bit worried that the book would pale in comparison to the lively webinar, but it offered its own approach to engaging with the sticky, twisty, and altogether baffling symptoms of OCD. It can stand alone as a resource for youth with OCD or can be a helpful tool for therapists who are treating teens with the disorder.

Based in Exposure and Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Stuff That's Loud provides teens with education, validation, support, and a ton of skills to help dismantle the rigid framework of OCD. The book offers to its readers ways to loosen up OC symptoms by approaching them with courage, willingness, curiosity, and creativity. It is filled with rich metaphors and lovely drawings to keep kids' interest. Moreover, it centers the voices of teens with OCD in every chapter with tips offered by those who have successfully found ways to live well with OCD. I will be ordering multiple copies of this book as a resource for my Nashville area clinic. Thanks, Ben & Lisa!

[Kasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely geared towards teens/young adults, so some of the language is “hip” and I am not. Overall though the book was informative and approachable, it offered first steps and ways to approach compulsive behaviours. It also had an entire section on “how to explain that you have OCD to people” which I thought was very helpful

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and straight-forward, practical and realistic. I liked the sense of hope it instills, while acknowledging the struggle. It’s a very different approach to “battling” OCD specifically (but can be applied to many mental challenges), but it makes sense!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to OCD and an excellent resource for teens struggling with OCD. There are suggested activities that would be helpful to work through to get a handle on your OCD.

[JULIA HALE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t think of a more accessible and enjoyable guide for teenagers grappling with OCD than ‘Stuff That’s Loud’. The easy to follow narrative, humor and wisdom the book offers makes confronting OCD and the intrusive thoughts that come along with it so much less intimidating than other books out there. Not only do the authors help the reader understand and identify OCD symptoms, they encourage the reader to envision a life beyond their OCD suffering and into one that is both meaningful and worth fighting for. 

Sedley and Coyne offer up both exposure (ERP) and acceptance (ACT) based strategies grounded in curiosity, willingness and flexibility all while providing real life examples that are both relatable and encouraging. They help the reader see that things like exposure to discomfort and living a life filled with joy and value are not mutually exclusive. The strategies discussed in the book are easy to access and practice both alone or with the support of an OCD therapist. The illustrations and personal stories shared throughout the book bring it to life. I particularly enjoyed reading the insights from Ethan, a teenager who has struggled with OCD himself. The language is both empathizing and encouraging. It is obvious any teenager reading this book would find such feedback both useful and normalizing to the pain that comes along with OCD.  

This book is kind, it is thoughtful and it is filled with hope. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with OCD, especially teenagers and their family members. And while this book is intended for those with OCD, I also highly recommend it to professionals working with individuals who have OCD. I firmly believe if all professionals learned to use the approachable, engaging and playful language seen in this book, we would all be better clinicians for it!

[Justine De Jaegher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My therapist recommended this book to me and I'm very grateful that she did! I am not a teen, but I *am* a woman in her early thirties for whom OCD does indeed get extremely noisy! Aside from Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, probably the most helpful read in my treatment and recovery. Provides accessible, practical tips on applying core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for those with OCD. Though truth be told, I've also recommended it to friends without OCD but who struggle with uncertainty from time to time!

I skipped over the chapter on "Your Parents, And What To Do With Them" as I'm a bit past that life stage at this point (if the authors read this, I wouldn't say no to a later edition appendix on "Your Wife..." or "Any potential offspring..." or "The colleague with whom you overshare..." - but I digress). Other than that though, truly everything applied! Have I lived more than three decades? Yes. Do I still enjoy a nice grayscale illustration in my self-help books? Hell yes (was this a mini-exposure? maybe).

Incredibly helpful read that I'm sure I'll turn back to more than once. Wish I had had this in my younger OCD days, but grateful to have it now. Would recommend to anyone who struggles with anxiety, and particularly those with OCD undergoing ERP treatment. Time for Jonathan Grayson to up his illustration game ;)

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction for anyone who knows or suspects they may have OCD. I know the main age target of this book is for teens and particular chapters of the book are especially geared towards a teen audience. However, many aspects of this book are of great advantage to a person of any age who is trying to cope with this illness. Each chapter focused on a gradual progression of identifying, accepting, and working through how to cope with OCD in your life. It doesn't tout a cure-all treatment or exercise, but gives you tools to help manage the tight grip that anyone with the illness knows can be a crippling part of your everyday life.

I appreciated the conversational tone and language. The book felt like an honest friend that gives you positive encouragement yet doesn't mince words. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. My age doesn't fall into the intended main audience bracket for this book, but I found it encouraging and informative anyways.

I would like to thank NetGalley for an eARC of this title.

[Caitlin Claggett Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though targeted to teens, the wisdom packed in this book is helpful for all those that come across it, be it the patients with whom I've shared it, the colleagues with whom I've discussed it, and myself. In Stuff That's Loud, Lisa Coyne and Ben Sedley provide an accessible path toward improving our relationship with our internal experience. The profound wisdom captured in this short book serves as an excellent roadmap to helping patients make meaningful change in their lives, guiding readers to take the leap towards living a life that they value. The core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are clearly explained, made relevant, and include concrete ideas for practice. I make sure to keep it nearby :)

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t vibe with the ACT or Exposure therapy listed later on in the book, but the first half was invaluable and validating for those with thoughts they can’t unspiral from.

I do think this book tried its best to represent those struggling with OCD, but the ACT therapy was too “hit you on the head” with “just do the scary things that make you think you and/or your loved ones will die, even if it’s just a tiny, tiny thing.” I must be worse off than I thought, because exposure to anything MILDLY triggering sets me out the rest of the day; probably the next few days.

As an intro book for OCD I think it could help educate teens, but like aforementioned, didn’t vibe with ACT or exposure therapy.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Overall, some really good information. I didn’t agree in chapter 6 with the section about “getting lost” that basically told kids they don’t need to follow all the rules their parents, schools, and governments make. Questioning their own self-imposed OCD rules is a must; encouraging the questioning of other rules gets a lot more questionable, IMO. I also disagreed with the push for kids to become activists, using Greta Thunberg as an example. It felt political in a book that should have been utterly neutral and apolitical. I also personally wonder if Thunberg’s activism is a neutralizer for an OCD fear of the destruction of the world. If chapter 6 were reworked, I would definitely recommend the book to my OCD kids.

[Jennifer Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Books don't have to have long-winded explanations to be helpful. This book has boiled down what works with OCD - Exposure Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy - into the bare bones of what's helpful for a young person with OCD, with a good dose of humour along the way. Chapters include Curiosity, Willingness, Flexibility, and "Giving a $#!%" give a clear message about what can help. This is integrated with stories from young people who have OCD, metaphors, fantastic illustrations, and activities. I think this book will be very accessible for both teen and young adult clients. The book doesn't try to be "cool" - it tries to be helpful.

[lilymei · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this book would’ve affected me more had i been a teenager (the target audience). overall, the voice used in this book is very friendly and comforting but it doesn’t provide a super in-depth view on what OCD is and its effects. it reads more like a nice nurse telling a kid how to fight off OCD. i think there are a few valuable lessons from it — in terms of just not giving in to OCD’s requests (e.g. performing rituals — even if it’s just resisting them for a certain time, that can be helpful) — but i would love more in-depth thoughts about OCD and how it forms/recognizing it in its most moderate forms.

3/5

[Amit Verma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessive compulsive disorder is common. 3% teens face it. It can be distressing.
This book tries to help them and spread awareness about silent disease.
It outlines acceptance and commitment method. It also provides tips to slowly control your symptoms.
It is written in simple language.
Chapters are well structured and jargon is kept at bay mostly.
At end advice about lifestyle changes is there.
Book has interesting illustrations which enhance reading experience..
A good book about OCD which has real experiencers writing about what they can tell from there experiences.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a great, easy-to-grasp, and useful read to help understand OCD and potentially start to overcome it. I think the exercises are laid out simply and might be accessible to many adolescents with OCD. It offers a starting point and ways to shift one’s mindset in order to battle OCD and improve one’s quality of life. It’s just an intro so seeking out an experienced ERP therapist is probably also needed to help guide someone with OCD through ERP exercises.

[Gina Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a child & adolescent therapist who specializes in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders. This is a great book to introduce the principles of ERP and ACT therapy. It gave me some new and helpful language to use when talking to my clients, and I liked the teen-friendly writing style and short length (making kids more likely to read it). Great book!

[Kari Kallaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuff That's Loud is a very approachable introduction into what OCD is and how to combat it. As a clinician who treats anxiety and OCD, I am excited to have this resource to share with clients. Often people do not understand what OCD is and how it manifests. This book is the right tone and length to help validate, educate and inspire teens to get started on a path to taming their OCD.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the blend of ACT and ERP, and the tone of the book would be great for a teen. However, if that teen is already in therapy there is not much more that this book will add to their repertoire of mental health tools. It functions mainly as an intro to living with OCD and almost as a motivational (MI) guide to beginning to challenge thought patterns.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuff That's Loud offers a helpful approach to engaging OCD related thoughts. Although this seems to be targeted to younger teens, it does provides solid advice for navigating complex situations. As a practitioner, I appreciate the focus on increasing our curiosity about the world.

[Andrew Duirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent go-to support for anyone experiencing difficulties with OCD. Very easy to read. Great illustrations. Practical, warm and encouraging. Written by two of today's most talented and skilled psychologists utilising up-to-date science. Highly recommended.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great resource for ACT therapy and ERP for OCD. Really good explanation of OCD, a good variety of coping skills, and practical tips for everything else related to handling OCD. I plan to use this a lot!

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was a teen. I’m glad I checked it out from the library and got to read it. I will probably purchase it, as it is helpful for adults as well as teens. Thank you! Sincerely, someone who has had OCD a VERY long time.

[Alix · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf 37%

Too condescending. Too keen on pitting me against myself. The movie example finally got to me, though. If you think I can watch a movie without analyzing it to death, you don’t understand my brain enough to be helpful. 🙃

[Stephen Maslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good. It took complex ideas and made them fun and easy to read. It gives the reader practical help. Best of all it’s just over 100 pages making it easy to read in just a few sitting!

[Elizabeth Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for all....practioners, parents and kids.

[K.R. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[shane]

what a shame she's fucked in the head