“Turtles All the Way Down” author John Green shared insights on living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in an interview with nOCD’s Chief Clinical Officer Patrick McGrath. Green emphasized that OCD often begins with a lack of control over thoughts, rather than just the compulsive behaviors often portrayed in the media. His goal in writing the young adult novel “Turtles All the Way Down” was to create a more authentic depiction of living with OCD, which has now been made into a movie. The story follows Aza, a teenage girl navigating life with OCD and anxiety while reconnecting with a childhood crush. Green wanted to portray Aza’s struggles, including her reluctance to try exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), in a realistic and relatable way.
Green drew upon his own experiences with OCD to craft Aza’s character, making some adjustments to her obsessive fears while still staying true to the emotional journey of living with the disorder. He wanted to show Aza as a complex individual who faces both challenges and joys in life, highlighting that OCD does not define a person entirely. Green hopes that the movie adaptation of “Turtles All the Way Down” will help individuals with OCD feel seen and understood. He recognizes that OCD can be isolating due to the intense stigma associated with the disorder, but hopes to show that there are others who share similar experiences.
Green has dealt with OCD throughout his life, often feeling alone and terrified by his symptoms as a teenager. Being diagnosed with OCD provided him with a sense of relief and validation, but he acknowledges that the journey to managing the disorder has been complex. Like Aza, Green has experienced highs and lows in his mental health, sometimes reaching debilitating lows that impact his ability to function. Despite initial hesitations, Green has found ERP to be a helpful tool in managing his OCD symptoms, along with a medication regimen that works for him. While there are still challenges, Green emphasizes that he is currently in a much better place in terms of his mental health.
The intense pain of OCD can be debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships. Green acknowledges the impact of his disorder on his family, especially during periods of intense symptoms. Although his children have witnessed him during panic attacks, Green has made significant progress in managing his OCD and feels more equipped to handle challenges when they arise. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing aggressive treatment for OCD not just for himself, but for his loved ones as well. Despite the stigma surrounding mental illness, Green hopes to change the narrative around OCD by sharing his own journey and showing that individuals with the disorder can still live fulfilling lives.
Overall, John Green’s experiences with OCD have shaped his understanding of the disorder and influenced his portrayal of Aza in “Turtles All the Way Down.” By sharing his story, Green aims to provide a more nuanced and accurate representation of OCD that resonates with those who are living with the condition. Through both his writing and advocacy, Green seeks to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and offer hope to individuals struggling with OCD.
