John Green, author of “Turtles All the Way Down,” discusses his experience living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in a conversation with Patrick McGrath, Ph.D., from nOCD. Green emphasizes the importance of understanding the obsessive nature of the disorder, which often gets overshadowed by the compulsive behaviors portrayed in movies and TV. His goal in writing the young adult novel was to offer a more nuanced perspective on OCD, challenging the romanticized or stigmatized portrayals commonly seen in media. “Turtles All the Way Down” follows 16-year-old Aza as she navigates life with OCD and anxiety, drawing on Green’s personal experiences with the disorder to create a realistic and relatable narrative.
While some aspects of Aza’s story mirror Green’s own struggles with OCD, he also wanted to give her a unique identity. Aza’s journey includes elements of Green’s resistance to exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), a treatment for OCD, as well as her eventual acceptance of it. Green aimed to depict Aza as a complex character with a rich life filled with challenges and joys, hoping to convey the message that living with OCD does not define a person entirely. The movie adaptation of the novel, directed by Hannah Marks and starring Isabela Merced as Aza, aims to provide a realistic portrayal of OCD that resonates with viewers and helps individuals with the disorder feel seen and understood.
Green discusses his own experience with OCD, which he has lived with since childhood, as a source of both pain and resilience. Being diagnosed with OCD provided a sense of relief and validation, but it was only the beginning of his journey. Like Aza, Green has faced periods of debilitating illness and functional impairment, as well as times of stability and productivity. He acknowledges the intense pain that OCD can cause, impacting his relationships and daily functioning. However, through therapy and medication, Green has found tools that work for him and allow him to manage his symptoms effectively.
Green emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment for OCD, despite the stigma surrounding the disorder. He acknowledges the challenges and fears associated with therapy, such as ERP, but highlights the benefits of having a support system and effective tools to cope with OCD. Green’s experience with intensive therapy and medication has helped him achieve a level of stability and functionality that allows him to live a fulfilling life while managing his symptoms. He hopes to challenge the stigma surrounding OCD and show that it is possible to live well with the disorder, despite its challenges.
With the release of the movie adaptation of “Turtles All the Way Down,” Green hopes to raise awareness about OCD and provide a more accurate representation of the disorder in popular media. By sharing his personal experiences and struggles with OCD, he aims to destigmatize the condition and offer hope to others who may be living with similar challenges. Green’s story underscores the complexity of living with OCD, including periods of intense pain and fear, as well as moments of resilience and growth. Ultimately, he hopes to inspire others with OCD to seek help, feel understood, and know that they are not alone in their experiences.
