As an author that touches on a range of mentally challenging topics in my books, I feel it is important to support readers when it comes to approaching these types of novels.
Reading mentally challenging books that contain triggers related to violence, suicide, and other sensitive topics require careful consideration and self-care. I have read novels that I've found to be so disturbing, that I've had to move away from reading. I have also written novels where I've had to dive into a dark hole to write.
These books often push the boundaries of our understanding and provoke deep emotion, but how do we approach these disturbing works? I've built up methods to help me overcome the challenges of reading and writing mentally challenging novels, and I've shared these below:
Know your limits:
Before diving into mentally challenging books, be aware of your emotional and mental state. Assess whether you are in a place where you can handle the content without it adversely affecting your well-being. Set boundaries and prioritise your mental health.
Take a break:
Many years ago, during my first engagement with the novel, "A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer, I experienced a continuous stop-start, stop-start pace while reading. The content was raw, emotional, and, what made it worse, was knowing it was based on a true story. It was painful to read and many times, I found myself promising not to continue because of the physical and emotional feelings that it stirred up. I love children, and to read about Dave's abuse made me feel sick to my stomach. I remember closing the book mid-chapter so many times, just to breathe, or cry over this young boys pain, and in disbelief how a mother can be so cruel to her own baby.
I did finish reading "A Child Called 'It'", and went on to read the rest of the ones that followed - "The Lost Boy" and "A Man Named Dave" as well as a book written by Dave's brother, "A Brother's Journey" by Richard Pelzer. They didn't get better in terms of emotions, but I'm glad I read these books despite how many breaks I required. He wanted to tell people his story.
It is because of these books that I write what I write - to raise awareness of how one single act can have a lasting affect.
So, pace yourself while reading. Give yourself regular breaks to process the content and give your mind time to rest. Engage in activities that help you relax and maintain a healthy balance and, if you're up for it, carry on reading.
Seek support:
If you think that the novel may trigger difficult emotions or memories, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Discussing your feelings and experiences can provide a supportive outlet.
I discussed the tragic ending of the psychological suspense novel, "There She Lies", by Michelle Young with the author. The book still gives me the shivers thinking about it, but I'm glad I read it.
Practice self-care:
Engage in self-care activities before and after reading challenging material. This may include exercising, meditating, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Prioritise activities that promote your well-being.
Walking works for me, or cleaning - both of these take my mind elsewhere.
Look out for content warnings:
Pay attention to content warnings provided by the author or publisher. These warnings can help you make informed decisions about whether to engage with the material and how to approach it.
Engage in reflection:
Allow yourself time to reflect on the themes and content of the novel. Consider writing in a journal or discussing the book with others who have read it. There's so much we can learn from these novels, and we become more aware of many types of personalities and mental illnesses that we don't always see. This reflection can help you process and make sense of the challenging aspects.
Know when to stop:
I once received a message from a reader thanking me for writing Seven Sins, whilst also telling me that they couldn't complete it due to the triggers contained within it. And that's okay. If, at any point, the content becomes too overwhelming or triggering, it's essential to prioritise your mental health and stop reading. Remember that it's okay to put a book aside if it becomes too distressing for you.
Approaching mentally challenging books requires a willingness to engage deeply and emotionally with the text. However, your mental well-being is paramount. It's essential to prioritise your self-care and emotional health when engaging with mentally challenging novels.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek professional help or reach out to supportive individuals.
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