I SHOULD NOT BE HERE: My journey with OCD, PTSD, and depression, and what kept me above water

What if the very struggles that nearly broke you became the map that guides someone else to survive? In I Should Not Be Here, Karen B. Gerson shares her raw, unflinching memoir of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression. From a childhood shaped by silence and trauma to adulthood spent battling invisible wars in her own mind, Karen’s story is one of survival against the odds and those who walked beside her with unwavering support. Through haunting memories, honest reflections, and the voices of loved ones who walked beside her, this memoir reveals the ripple effects of mental illness on both the individual and their family. It is a story of fear and rituals, of love and resilience, of the unbearable weight of silence, and the healing power of breaking it. At its core, this book is more than a story. It is a lifeline. A reminder that even in the darkest hours, you are not alone, you are not broken, and healing is still possible. If you have ever faced mental illness or loved someone who has, let this memoir be your companion, your mirror, and your map. Start reading today and discover the strength that comes from still being here. Karen B. Gerson has lived in Leawood, Kansas, for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio—the Buckeye State. Karen began her education at Stephens College and earned a Bachelor of Science in K–8 Education from The Ohio State University. She later received her Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Karen has taught in both public and private school settings. Her passion for education led her to a 20+ year career in the Jewish community, where she specialized in program development, implementation, and relationship-building for children and young adults. She also spent several years working for First Call, an organization that reduces the impact of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse disorders. She continues to serve this organization in multiple ways, including being on the Board of Directors. She lives in Leawood with her husband, Jeffry, and two sons, Gilli and Eitan. One of their family's favorite pastimes is soccer, either watching her boys play or Sporting Kansas City. Karen enjoys practicing yoga, working out, traveling (especially to Israel and Costa Rica), reading, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. View Less