Overcoming, A Book Review

Copyright 2002

We can learn a great deal about habit change by observing others. In Overcoming OCD and Schizophrenia with God in My Life, Chip Correll gives us an honest look at his life. He shares his dreams and goals, and how they were shattered by mental illness, only to be picked up and pursed again, in spite of his illness. His is a story of bravery, discipline, faith, love, and support. There is no cry for pity or help; you get the sense that being mentally ill is normal in Chip’s world, a part of him, like the color of his hair or his height. The primary focus of his book is his Christian faith. Perhaps this is why the mental illness sees so accepted. He seems to see it as part of the overall purpose of his life.

An important part of habit change is setting goals and implementing them. Chip Correll did this. He did well in school and graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in English. As he put it, he “felt ‘called’ to work in communications,” one day working in public relations and perhaps writing press releases. He doesn’t seem to truly believe he’s following this calling, but as we’ll see, indeed he is. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression soon after college. He couldn’t earn a living and had to apply for social security disability (SSDI). You would think he would put his goals and dreams aside, but Chip hasn’t. He is still doing all he can to prepare himself for the day when he’ll be well enough to work as a writer or publicist. He also uses his writing skills to do volunteer work advocating for the rights of the mentally ill. And he’s written a book, telling his story. This is public relations work that can change lives.

Throughout his book, Chip describes certain habits that have helped him keep the schizophrenia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder under control. His faith in God seems foremost; this involves a whole set of habits that are unique to each individual. He takes his medication. Chip shares accounts of numerous friends who have ended up back in mental hospitals because they stopped taking their medications. He resists the temptation to decide he’s different, that he can stop his medication. He has maintained the habit of educating himself on his mental illness and applying cognitive-behavioral therapy skills he learns about. He has built a support group around him; friends, family, and therapy that can provide the support to him, and others that he can provide support to.

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