Writer and soccer star Sienna Rose Scully.

OBSESSIVE compulsive disorder (OCD) can sometimes be the elephant in the room, but a new book is helping shed light on the issue and give voice to those with lived experience. 

Try Not to Think of a Pink Elephant: Stories of OCD includes stories from five people with a unique perspective of the disorder, including two Freo contributors.

Sienna Rose Scully grew up in Fremantle, but moved to the United States as an 18 year old to take up a bachelor’s degree as a student-athlete and play soccer at a collegiate level.

Scully says at that age she hadn’t yet come to fully understand her OCD, but realised that no matter how tough the challenge, she was able to find a way out. 

Her story was the catalyst for the book and she says her experience prompted her desire to help others.

“My heavy desire to help those that were in the same position as my younger self and are struggling alone needing something like this book to shed at least a little light and comfort on the situation for them,” she told the Herald.

She says it’s particularly aimed at helping young people first discovering the disorder and their caretakers.

“The major themes of the book are OCD and mental health. These themes were chosen because it is those with OCD that deserve to have a book like this that they can turn to – to not feel alone,” she said.

She particularly hopes a series of affirmations at the end of her contribution will have an impact and help those in the same position as w her younger self. 

“This will be my first published book and plan to celebrate with family and friends once it is out in October,” she said.

“I celebrated with FaceTime calls while I was stuck overseas when I was offered the publishing contract.

“I have written many pieces … hidden away on my laptop or in journals, however this is the first piece I have ventured into attempting to get published.

“This would be my favourite due to its meaning and possibility to hopefully help others.

“I have grown up in and around Fremantle my whole life. I also attended John Curtin College of the Arts and worked in and around Fremantle growing up, at The Mexican Kitchen and at the Fremantle Markets,” Scully said.

Try Not to Think of a Pink Elephant: Stories of OCD also includes a contribution from former Herald intern Patrick Marlborough, as well as Brisbane writer/filmmaker Martin Ingle, Melbourne genderqueer nonfiction writer Dani Leever and Sydney writer Katharine Pollock.

Try Not to Think of a Pink Elephant: Stories of OCD was published by Fremantle Press and was released a week ago. It retails for $32.99 from fremantlepress.com.au

By ARIANA ROSENBERG