“Chasing a Ghost” in Young Adult Literature: Mental Illness in Am I Normal Yet?

The relative lack of attention given to mental health issues compared to physical health problems in society poses a significant barrier to the development of adequate literacy surrounding mental health concerns. Furthermore, the pervasive stigmatization of individuals suffering from these disorders exacerbates the burden they face. In light of the increasing prevalence of mental illnesses and the imperative for timely interventions, the potential of Young Adult Literature depicting mental illnesses to enhance literacy in this realm appears promising. Consequently, it is aimed to examine the representation of obsessive-compulsive disorder in Am I Normal Yet? by the British author Holly Bourne. Initially, the disorders are contextualized within a broader framework, followed by an exploration of their representation within the novel. Subsequently, a thorough analysis is carried out on these representations, with a specific emphasis on how symptoms and treatment alternatives are presented in the narrative. Furthermore, due to the impact of environmental factors on mental health problems, the reactions elicited by these disorders within the storyline are investigated and discussed.