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Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers: 26 Years of OCD
A long, and eventually successful personal battle with OCD, this autobiographical account describes one man's life from childhood, through 26 years of OCD, and beyond, where his personal success in treating his own OCD helped his younger daughter gain control of her own anxieties at a much earlier stage in life.
- GenresMental Health
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2013
3 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
David William Dahlberg
1Ìýbook11ÌýfollowersDavid W. Dahlberg has lived many lives -- From talking to Mickey Mouse at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair to his modern-day role as a school teacher, sports and music addict, and as a father. Mr. Dahlberg suffered through a childhood of anxieties that morphed into OCD from the age of about 14 into his forties. Much of his own youth was spent living with an untreatable, unnamed condition which is now known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Hiding the condition, as OCD sufferers do, he lived a partially functional life. Mr. Dahlberg's high academic aptitudes and exceptional memory allowed him to function as a reasonably normal person, but not the highly-functional one locked behind the bars of OCD. His perseverance to function and be normal drove him to fight his OCD every day, and, when finally curable, decades after its onset, this OCD was finally defeated. Now cognizant of the early symptoms of OCD, he was able to recognize such symptoms in his younger daughter, and get her the treatment he had been denied. Today, Mr. Dahlberg lives in Snohomish with his successful wife and daughters, who sing, ski race, and, although busy, have a lot of fun.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2015
I thought this 221 (not 232)-page book was an often funny, often sad, ultimately inspiring look at one man's battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which can be debilitating and isolating. He succeeded in controlling his disorder with medication, cognitive therapy (rewiring his brain), and a strong support network. Thank you, Dave Dahlberg, for a book sure to help others with this condition.
January 21, 2016
Through advanced study and research of neurological brain disorders we have an increased knowledge and understanding that was previously unknown. Author David Dahlberg shares his candid truthful coming of age story: "Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers: 26 Years of OCD". Details of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) beginning with troubling thoughts/ritual behaviors in youth to recognizable issues related to anxiety, insomnia, and a host of symptoms that were always present, interfering with his life in high school, as college student, and later a married family man.
As a child Dahlberg felt socially inept, he picked on younger/smaller boys, was loud and tried to be funny, but realized later he was just obnoxious and politely tolerated. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, WA. he enjoyed the adventure, skill, and leadership of a Boy Scout troop affiliated with his church, and later studied martial arts, which gave him additional skills related to mental discipline to battle his OCD. After transferring to the University of Washington he was greatly relieved to earn his BA in mathematics (with a highly stressful year in physics/calculus), graduating in June 1985. He didn't attend his graduation, and getting a full time position as a public school math teacher wouldn't be easy.
As a substitute teacher, Dahlberg found a measure of relief from his symptoms- that is, not being able to do his rituals while teaching. From the book... "My OCD had held me back--and yet it had also given me a frame of reference of always having to struggle, and outlook that gave me the ability to relate to troubled kids both emotionally and academically."...
His family physician would diagnose the OCD and prescribe meds, which improved his life moving him in a better direction: he eventually met his wife Judy, and they had two daughters.
The story is mostly about OCD, the symptoms, behaviors, coping/management skills and later treatments. While Dahlberg openly and honestly shares his story, the story isn't told in a novel style format, but rather in an analytical perspective. Many thanks and much appreciation to the author for this informative and helpful read for the purpose of review.
As a child Dahlberg felt socially inept, he picked on younger/smaller boys, was loud and tried to be funny, but realized later he was just obnoxious and politely tolerated. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, WA. he enjoyed the adventure, skill, and leadership of a Boy Scout troop affiliated with his church, and later studied martial arts, which gave him additional skills related to mental discipline to battle his OCD. After transferring to the University of Washington he was greatly relieved to earn his BA in mathematics (with a highly stressful year in physics/calculus), graduating in June 1985. He didn't attend his graduation, and getting a full time position as a public school math teacher wouldn't be easy.
As a substitute teacher, Dahlberg found a measure of relief from his symptoms- that is, not being able to do his rituals while teaching. From the book... "My OCD had held me back--and yet it had also given me a frame of reference of always having to struggle, and outlook that gave me the ability to relate to troubled kids both emotionally and academically."...
His family physician would diagnose the OCD and prescribe meds, which improved his life moving him in a better direction: he eventually met his wife Judy, and they had two daughters.
The story is mostly about OCD, the symptoms, behaviors, coping/management skills and later treatments. While Dahlberg openly and honestly shares his story, the story isn't told in a novel style format, but rather in an analytical perspective. Many thanks and much appreciation to the author for this informative and helpful read for the purpose of review.
October 3, 2015
Here are three excerpts of reviews from my book to get things started. Feel welcome to share and review my story! -- David Dahlberg
One of my favorite things about reading a great book is when it pulls you in right away...The book is so well written and held my interest...I gave "Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers by David W. Dahlberg a 5 star rating...It was a real inspiration to read, especially because it is a true success story!
Janet Reeves, Reader Views
...Author Dahlberg shares his brilliantly cognizant perspective to readers within the pages of his book. His story of suffering presents his disheartening but also triumphant life experience, which elucidates and sends out a message of hope and camaraderie to other OCD sufferers like him.
This profoundly touching autobiography will reach readers on several emotional levels, as they journey with the author through his many plights while encumbered with OCD. The effects of his illness were so severe in fact, that on occasion he was rendered virtually helpless during common situations like school, work, driving, dating, and relationships.
...I was touched by reading Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers; it was an engaging, mind-expanding read that shed a brighter light on a subject not often discussed. I particularly found the information about recognizing the symptoms in his daughter enlightening. I like this book; author Dahlberg expresses a naturally fluent, knowledgeable, and friendly tone to his writing, making it easy to consider this read, thought stimulating, and memorable. I recommend reading this tumultuous memoir not only for those suffering or their loved ones but also to anyone with a passing interest in a good human-interest story.
Lisa Brown-Gilbert, Pacific Book Review
...Triggered by a distressing event in his early teens, Dahlberg is tormented by consuming images and frightening scenes that won’t go away. He develops ritual behavior that he repeats over and over again to expel the tormenting images...
...He was a bright, musically talented boy, but, left on his own it would take an uncommonly long time to complete his lessons, obsessing over a phrase and repeatedly writing it. Often socially withdrawn, he would infuriate teachers and other students with inappropriate comments. Studying by himself seemed impossible; he couldn’t stay focused on the task at hand...
...He had never even heard the term Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In addition to having to make his rituals in certain numeric order, for years he suffered from sleep deprivation. He was married a number of years before a crisis occurred in which he sought professional help. It was then that he learned his condition had a name: OCD.
Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers is a well-told story about the all-consuming, debilitating affects of OCD. I admire the author’s honesty and courage in discussing his often painful and tormented life. He leaves the reader with hope that diagnosis and treatment are available, as are medications to bring relief. I recommend this enlightening book to anyone interested in learning more about obsessions, and especially to those who suffer from the affects of this condition.
Mary E. Trimble, author and review blogger
One of my favorite things about reading a great book is when it pulls you in right away...The book is so well written and held my interest...I gave "Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers by David W. Dahlberg a 5 star rating...It was a real inspiration to read, especially because it is a true success story!
Janet Reeves, Reader Views
...Author Dahlberg shares his brilliantly cognizant perspective to readers within the pages of his book. His story of suffering presents his disheartening but also triumphant life experience, which elucidates and sends out a message of hope and camaraderie to other OCD sufferers like him.
This profoundly touching autobiography will reach readers on several emotional levels, as they journey with the author through his many plights while encumbered with OCD. The effects of his illness were so severe in fact, that on occasion he was rendered virtually helpless during common situations like school, work, driving, dating, and relationships.
...I was touched by reading Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers; it was an engaging, mind-expanding read that shed a brighter light on a subject not often discussed. I particularly found the information about recognizing the symptoms in his daughter enlightening. I like this book; author Dahlberg expresses a naturally fluent, knowledgeable, and friendly tone to his writing, making it easy to consider this read, thought stimulating, and memorable. I recommend reading this tumultuous memoir not only for those suffering or their loved ones but also to anyone with a passing interest in a good human-interest story.
Lisa Brown-Gilbert, Pacific Book Review
...Triggered by a distressing event in his early teens, Dahlberg is tormented by consuming images and frightening scenes that won’t go away. He develops ritual behavior that he repeats over and over again to expel the tormenting images...
...He was a bright, musically talented boy, but, left on his own it would take an uncommonly long time to complete his lessons, obsessing over a phrase and repeatedly writing it. Often socially withdrawn, he would infuriate teachers and other students with inappropriate comments. Studying by himself seemed impossible; he couldn’t stay focused on the task at hand...
...He had never even heard the term Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In addition to having to make his rituals in certain numeric order, for years he suffered from sleep deprivation. He was married a number of years before a crisis occurred in which he sought professional help. It was then that he learned his condition had a name: OCD.
Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers is a well-told story about the all-consuming, debilitating affects of OCD. I admire the author’s honesty and courage in discussing his often painful and tormented life. He leaves the reader with hope that diagnosis and treatment are available, as are medications to bring relief. I recommend this enlightening book to anyone interested in learning more about obsessions, and especially to those who suffer from the affects of this condition.
Mary E. Trimble, author and review blogger
January 19, 2016
This memoir blends informative passages and anecdotal stories that create quite a composite picture of a person suffering from, and growing through, OCD. Though at times I felt bogged down by details that neither advanced the story for me nor explained anything about the condition at hand, the book developed overall into an insightful treatment of an underserved and reclusive community of people. Those suffering from this condition learn very early to hide themselves behind thick walls, and this memoir brings everything out from behind that wall. Even to those with just a touch of obsessive tendencies, like me, some of the processes and strategies the author employed to defeat his OCD could be quite useful, and could make a big difference in breaking the brain patterns that entrench those tendencies. His honesty and openness, I believe, will have a huge impact on many readers' lives, both in helping themselves and in understanding their loved ones.
This book was won from the publisher through the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Reads program. Thanks!
This book was won from the publisher through the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Reads program. Thanks!
December 6, 2015
Thanks Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ for my copy of Life in a Whirlwind of Numbers by David Dahlberg. I give David Dahlberg much credit as he has overcome his OCD for the most part and has a wonderful family and a life he enjoys. This book is instructional as far as recognising symptoms of OCD and what steps he used to combat the symptoms. I cannot call it engrossing however. I do not have OCD so maybe I could not adequately relate to the author's story. I did want a glimpse into the life of someone who has OCD and this book did show me a window into the thought processes and how the disease manifests itself. It is sad that David grew up at a time before anyone recognised this condition even existed.
December 3, 2015
I received this book free from a GoodReads give-away. I found this book very interesting. I have numbers I like and numbers I avoid and I see patterns in numbers that other people don't. Nothing to the author's extreme. I also feel like I have met some OCD people but again, not to t,his extreme. It was interesting to see what set David off and how things affected him. I enjoyed how he found things that helped him deal with his problems like the karate. I liked that the book was easy to follow and his story was entrancing.
December 1, 2015
I won this book through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. Really enjoyed this book. An extremely interesting take on OCD and all that goes with it.
November 2, 2017
Thanks to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ for having a giveaway so that readers can get free books to read, I enjoyed reading about all the things that a person with OCD had to do just to get through one day. Just to get out of bed was a chore. I can relate to a few of the things that a person with OCD has because I have a few things that I do the same way each time I do it. Just little quirks that I do but it doesn't effect how I live my life, like it did him. I know there are several different degrees of OCD and that some of them can be controlled. I am glad that he was finally able to overcome his OCD so that he could live a good happy life.
Sorry it took me this long to review this book.
Sorry it took me this long to review this book.
September 28, 2017
As someone married to a man with OCD I found this book fascinating. The author has done a wonderful job of describing the thought processes he goes through and how it affected his life. I applaud his ability to recognize the problem and address it which is often very difficult for people with OCD, and that makes it hard for them to get treatment. I found this book very enlightening.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
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