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Jeff Wells
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Breaking Free of OCD: My Battle With Mental Pain and How God Rescued Me Paperback – April 29, 2016

by Jeff Wells (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 114 ratings
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This autobiographical account by Houston Pastor Jeff Wells describes his struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder during his adult years.

In 1978, Jeff finished second place in the Boston Marathon, two seconds behind Bill Rodgers. This marked the beginning of his battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD affected every area of his life and caused so much pain - at times overwhelming anguish and torment for over 30 years.

In the spring of 2011, while Jeff was pastoring a large and thriving congregation, he reached his low point with mental disease and recognized how deeply he needed help. Out of desperation, he cried out to God and with the overwhelming prayer and support of his church, a few key friends and professionals, and especially with the love and support of his wife Gayle, Jeff details his journey to healing.

The book is honest and forthright, and will bring hope to the many people who struggle in silence with mental pain and to their families.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    172 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Lucid Books
  4. Publication date
    April 29, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.37 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1632960729
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1632960726
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lucid Books (April 29, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 172 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1632960729
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1632960726
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.37 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

About the author

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Jeff Wells

Jeff Wells

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Jeff Wells is the founding Pastor of WoodsEdge Community Church in Spring, Texas. He is the author of two books: The Great Verses and Breaking Free of OCD.

In 1978, Jeff finished second place in the Boston Marathon, two seconds behind Bill Rodgers. This marked the beginning of his battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  OCD affected every area of his life and caused so much pain – at times overwhelming anguish and torment for over 30 years.

In the spring of 2011, while Jeff was pastoring a large and thriving congregation, he reached his low point with mental disease and recognized how deeply he needed help.  Out of desperation, he cried out to God and with the overwhelming prayer and support of his church, a few key friends and professionals, and especially with the love and support of his wife Gayle, Jeff began his journey to healing.

Jeff and his wife Gayle live in Spring, Texas near their children and grandchildren. Jeff's hobbies include reading, running and anything outdoors with his family.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
114 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Steven P. Spinella
5.0 out of 5 stars 3-in-1: Journey, Science, and Treatment of OCD, from the Inside Out
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
I felt like this was more or less a "three-in-one." One part story of Jeff's journey, one part explanation of OCD as Jeff understands it, with generous attribution to other writers, and one part strategies Jeff found helpful in dealing with his OCD. The best thing about this book is that it is an authentic, middle of the journey story. Since OCD is not a journey that ends, I think it has to be this way.
In that respect, the title is a little misleading since OCD is not something one breaks free of so much as it is something one accomodates and manages. The "breaking free" part is getting to a place where OCD is not dominating all of life. The present tense of "breaking" communicates well that it is not a once for all journey, but rather a daily challenge, shifting with the stresses of life and the stages of life's journey.
Perhaps what I like the most is that it broke the silence. In my life, as Jeff also recounts, staying silent about struggles gives them a power in my life, heart, and mind they do not deserve. Jeff, thank you for sharing openly, not completely or perfectly, about a disorder that wrestles to prevent that. The freedom of walking in openness, and light, is a huge relief when silence means giving more voice to disordered internal messages that mislead and damage relationships with ourselves, with others, and with God--who is obviously a huge part of Jeff's journey as a pastor and a Christ-follower.
For people who make room in their lives for God, this provides a good model of honoring that while dealing with a problem that scientists and clinicians also know much about. For those that do not make room in their lives for God, this book still provides plenty of useful reflection from the journey, from the behavioral sciences, and from the options for treatment and management of OCD, one person to another.
8 people found this helpful
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MamaTokie
5.0 out of 5 stars So Helpful and Hope Giving
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2020
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I am married to a husband who struggles with OCD, and it was hard to understand or even navigate our conversations and interactions because I was uncertain & confused. I also felt so troubled because he is distant and isolated a lot of the times.. and can get in awful moods. So, I just couldn’t understand him, because normally people don’t react this way. I also felt like I couldn’t rely on him at all because he was fragile and mentally unstable. So I kept trying to pick up the pieces and make sense of it, but it’s so relieving to know that OCD just doesn’t make sense. It’s not me and it’s not anything that he really believes in.. it’s irrational thoughts driven a lot of anxiety and fear. Although, it saddens me greatly to see my husband under so much pain and stress.. I just wish that it would go away too. However, I know that I can be there for him by talking to him, giving him hope, and remind myself of hope, and praying. I just gotta keep praying. God will come through.

Thank you for being brave and sharing your experience to give insight and hope for others who live with someone who is fighting OCD.
6 people found this helpful
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P Field
5.0 out of 5 stars Help for Those Suffering With OCD
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book. As a practicing LCPC I’m certain this book will help others suffering in the grip of OCD. The author’s transparency is powerful and refreshing in validating others that are struggling. If you aren’t a person of faith, you might not appreciate some of the suggestions he gives regarding God and the Bible helping you through such a debilitating time. However, there is still helpful information to glean regarding how relentless OCD can be, along with educating the reader about the biological component associated with this mental disorder. Since I am a Christian, his sections on faith truly resonated with me. Quick, exceptional read!
2 people found this helpful
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Cassidy Covell
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent resource for people who may not believe.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2016
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This book is great for Christians and also for non Christians. Don't let the cover turn you away from this blessing of a book. Jeff combines the gospel and ocd really well. One does not have to be an expert to understand the content. It looks at the disorder from a technical/biological standpoint and also as a spiritual issue. As one who has been a sufferer of the disorder for many years, to say this book was a blessing to read is an understatement. I feel the Lord led me to this book. My recommendation would be to read at least the introduction and I would think the reader would have a desire to finish the book. The content is excellent and should become a great resource for the ocd community.
6 people found this helpful
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Bootheel
5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent overview of OCD
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2022
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If you have OCD, or love someone who does, this book is very helpful and accessible. Jeff has done a great service with this book, especially if you are operating within a Christian worldview. However, his general description of things would be helpful for anyone, regardless of overt faith commitments (or lack thereof).
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Scott Caesar
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2020
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Great read with compassion and truth. Thank you for your testimony to a God who walks through valleys with us, when He decides not to take them away. I am a 35 year member who is bit freer after reading your book!
2 people found this helpful
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kermom4
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book of truth for OCD sufferers and their friends & family!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019
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I love the step by step processes of filling your mind with God's truth. All the resources listed in the book are wonderful!!! It was so encouraging to see the author list all the people, meds, prayers, etc. that together helped heal his mind.
5 people found this helpful
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Preston Brent
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
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This is a very helpful book for any Christian who struggles with OCD. Would also be great for the friends and family of an OCD sufferer.
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