Am I Sick?

This book is dedicated to my fellow hypochondriacs and anyone who has experienced anxiety. So... everyone.

Talking about and documenting my own intrusive thoughts and hypochondria, as well as that of the friends, family and strangers who have contributed to this book, has helped me breathe a sigh of relief and even find humor in my anxiety. I hope the stories in this book will do the same for you. Sometimes saying our fears out loud, or even writing them down, can take away their power.

I’ve left a few pages blank in this book for you. Write down your fears. Breathe. Share your stories with friends and have them do the same. Maybe even laugh. I think you’ll feel a great deal of relief in realizing that you’re not alone.

P.S. We’re all going to be okay.
With love,
Alexia

Follow me @AmISick

Testimonials

“I feel everyone and anyone can relate to this book- we all have these feelings of uncertainty, panic and overreaction. Instead of worrying this book reminded me to take a step back and laugh at yourself or with yourself- we are all a little mad.”

-Taylor Chaskelberg

“One way to resilience is through playfulness. This book is a representation of just that- while taking us into the familiar, anxious mind. As a therapist, and someone who has experienced anxiety, it’s refreshing to see no shame in these narratives of fear, no matter how gruesome or uncomfortable. Alexia’s illustrations deliver this concept with what I felt was “helplessness” personified. Eerie and light hearted. Because reality is a little bit of both.”

-Jenna Riccatelli

“SOOO relatable. This is a reminder to all my worry warts, excessive googlers, and socially awkward friends out there like myself to take a step back and realize we are not alone.. and it’s probably not our appendix bursting....we definitely just have gas and need to let out a fart. “

-Giovanni Domingo

“I feel so seen!! And that’s the best part— I’ve learned through years of struggling with anxiety, that often the best medicine is just feeling understood. I rejoice in this fun book for normalizing my irrational panic.”

-Amanda Stein

“Alexia Merlo's "Am I Sick" brings to life all of your anxieties in a humorous way. And you suddenly realize, you are not alone with all of your irrational feelings.”

-Jared Isaacson

“This book has everything! It touches on serious subject while remaining funny and heartfelt! Keeps you wanting to turn the page to see the next story! Totally recommend!”

-Ali Tritto

“Laugh out loud must read!”

-Samantha Lea

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America