By: Elowen Gray
Erin Margaret Northey never planned to become a writer. Publishing a book wasn’t part of her initial goals, but life often has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. Her journey began with a compelling urge—an inner awareness that she felt deeply in her intuition and spirit. In March 2024, she started writing, pouring her emotions onto the page, and continued until September. Drawing from her journals, which documented her most difficult times and deepest reflections, Erin crafted a story that is authentic, sincere, and profoundly personal.
Her book, How I Thought I Might Kill My Husband, Through The Lens of OCD, explores the complexities of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It combines personal narrative, insights into self-improvement, and a deeper understanding of mental health, aiming to shed light on the often-misunderstood aspects of mental illness. The book addresses topics such as medication withdrawal, receiving an OCD diagnosis later in life, and navigating the challenges of hospitalization—all framed through a lens of healing and optimism.
Writing this book was transformative for Erin. What began as an emotional outlet evolved into a deeply restorative process. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), she experienced significant personal growth. This process not only supported her recovery but also ignited a creative passion she hadn’t previously explored. Along this journey, she transitioned from a corporate career to pursuing makeup artistry, embracing a new path that continues to inspire her.
The Strength of Storytelling
Advocating for mental health has become central to Erin’s mission. She hopes to inspire others with similar experiences to believe in the possibility of recovery. Through her story, she aims to contribute to a broader conversation about mental health, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and sharing personal experiences.
One challenge Erin discusses in her book is managing medications. She highlights how medications can have both beneficial and complex effects, and understanding these dynamics is crucial. Erin’s experience underscores the idea that, despite challenges, healing and hope are possible.
Tips for Budding Authors
For anyone thinking about telling their story, Erin’s guidance is straightforward: simply begin.
Start with a draft, jot down your ideas, and avoid overanalyzing the approach. Allow the words to flow. Share your story or create a new one. Document everything—your experiences are significant, and your narrative deserves to be shared.
Having a journal close by or taking notes on a phone can be extremely helpful. Writing helps structure thoughts and clarifies experiences. For Erin, it turned into a way to express herself and a method of healing.
A Path of Tenacity
Erin’s book stands as a tribute to resilience and the transformative power of healing. She continues to channel her passion for creativity, advocacy, and human connection through her work in the human services sector, her artistic endeavors as a makeup artist, and her new path as a writer and poet. Her mission remains the same: to instill hope and foster understanding.
For anyone on a mental health journey, Erin offers this reminder: you are not alone. Healing is achievable, and your story has the power to inspire—not only others but also yourself.
For questions, partnerships, or discussions, Erin welcomes inquiries at: (780)-991-7346 and through email: erinmnorthey@gmail.com
Connect with her on Instagram at: @erin._.margaret. She would be very interested to receive your response.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by Stephanie M.
