I have been inspired to write a blog on mental health as I am currently reading the amazing book of a fellow author friend. I was blown away by how her novel helped me to understand a mental illness more than just reading up about it would. So, this blog is dedicated to mental health awareness.
Why is mental health awareness important to me?
Well, you know what they say. Most writers suffer or have suffered with mental health conditions. It is usually depression, anxiety, addiction or all three. I myself am currently suffering from extreme anxiety, depression, possible borderline personality disorder and a mild case of OCD. I must say that the people around me are not as familiar with how I suffer as I would like them to be. I do try to explain when they ask about how it feels to suffer this much mentally but I can see that they can never quite grasp how it feels exactly. I am definitely not saying that anybody that hasn't experienced mental health issues first hand does not understand it. I am merely suggesting that I dislike people that pretend to understand it when it is clear that they don't. Just to get it out there, we who suffer are more offended by a fake understanding than someone who comes out and says they don't understand but are open to be educated on the topic.
Mental health awareness is becoming more known. It seems to be spreading all over social media and it makes its appearance on places such as reality TV, songs, and even charities raising money for research. I am glad to see mental health awareness being on the rise. But sometimes, it just isn't enough. Yes, the more people that are aware of it the better. But is being aware enough? No. Here's why. I could easily say 'I fully understand the mental illness schizophrenia' but that would be a lie. As somebody who has never experienced schizophrenia first hand, I cannot possibly say that I understand it as much as someone who has been diagnosed with it and suffers from it daily. It would be impossible for me to know what someone with that condition is thinking and feeling. That is where the beauty of a novel comes in. There are plenty of genres such as crime, comedy, drama, romance, horror (my personal favourite of course) but what I am currently reading feels more important than just any old fiction novel...
'Steel Doors Shut' by Jillian Handley
My dear friend Jillian released her debut novel 'Steel Doors Shut' in May 2021. I have to say, I am greatly impressed with the masterpiece. It follows a woman who is suffering greatly with depersonalisation disorder. I believe it to be an excellent portrayal of how someone with this disorder suffers daily from their mental pains. Everyone loves to get lost in a fictional story full of great imaginative ideas. But this one hits differently. It is a creation of the imagination but it has major hints of realism that shadow the whole book.
She describes in detail how the main character feels that her hands are not attached to her body, a common symptom of the disorder. She is constantly anxious and on edge which highlights that anxiety comes hand in hand with it. Reading this novel, although I have not completely finished it yet, has even drove me to research the disorder. It has raised my awareness of it. As I have always felt distant and not in my own body at times, I assumed these symptoms were just a part of my BPD and depression. But seeing the details closely in the book of what it is like to live with this disorder, it resembles my symptoms a lot. I believe that anybody with depersonalisation disorder that reads this book will become more aware of it and it may even help them.
Books like Jillian's should fill up more of the market of books because then readers would get the excitement of a novel with its make belief and drama but also it will be relatable and informative. The novel even shows how difficult it is for people suffering with this disorder to speak out and say something. It shows how many people choose to stay silent over telling people and risking them not understanding. It is sad that in our world (especially this day and age) people still feel that they have to hide their true thoughts and feelings to avoid questions and judgement. Novels like these raise awareness so that people know that even when you are silent, you can still be suffering a great deal. It portrays how even psychiatrist appointments can be unsettling for someone suffering mentally. And when a psychiatrist doesn't fully understand you or your thoughts, you feel even more alone. The book deserves all the credit that it can get.
If you haven't already, I would suggest that anyone and everyone should read 'Steel Doors Shut' (available on Amazon.) Even if you have never heard of the disorder, it will make you sympathise for anyone that has it and you will also become aware of it for the future in case anybody that you know develops it.
Why is it good to read about mental health?
Some would argue that reading about mental health is too 'depressing' or 'boring' and that it shouldn't be included in a novel because a book is only supposed to be 'entertaining.' Wrong! A book can be about anything and surely it's more beneficial to read about the world around you in a fun way than to sit reading a text book. With a novel about mental illnesses, you will usually get to witness it from a first person perspective (through the eyes of the main character) which makes it all the more emotional and meaningful. Sometimes, putting yourself into someone else's thought process/life can really help when trying to learn something knew or understand something better. I would always prefer to read a novel about someone suffering with multiple personality disorder for example, than searching on Google what symptoms people have. As people are prone to getting attached to book characters, they will also connect with the characters more and they cannot help but try and imagine how they would feel in that situation. It portrays a mental illness in a real life situation which always helps.
I am not saying there is nothing wrong with sticking with the old fashioned text books, help books and searching on the internet. But seeing a new perspective on mental health through a novel is always more exciting. You aren't just getting the symptoms of the illness, you are getting: characters to love, thoughts, feelings, how people with that illness react in different situations, how to treat someone with that illness, good/dramatic story lines, real life examples and more! What is not to like? Remember, the more people that are aware and understand different mental illnesses the better!
Thank you once again for reading this blog post and please stay tuned for more!
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