Introduction

NIAMH: Bibliotherapy Benefits Managing our mental health can involve various strategies, from physical activities like running to engaging in hobbies that bring joy and social interaction. However, not everyone finds solace in these activities, especially when struggling with mental health issues. For many, smaller, more manageable steps are necessary. Interestingly, one such step can be as simple as reading.

Reading not only offers an escape to fantastical worlds but also provides long-term benefits for mental health, far beyond mere entertainment. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore how reading can act as a form of therapy, known as bibliotherapy.

I'm Niamh Hughes, joined by Ouch's Beth Rose. We also have writer and mental health advocate Harriet Allner and Dr. Paula Byrne, co-creator of the online course "Literature and Mental Health: Reading for Wellbeing" with FutureLearn and the University of Warwick.

Harriet Allner's Journey

NIAMH: Harriet, were you always an avid reader?

HARRIET: Absolutely. Both my parents instilled a love of books in me from a young age. I grew up with adventure stories like "Swallows and Amazons" and "Kidnapped," which fostered a sense of exploration and learning. Books have always been a way for me to experience new things and travel to new places.

NIAMH: Did reading help you develop personally?

HARRIET: Definitely. Books offer a way to see the world through others' eyes, providing empathy and understanding. For instance, books like "Reasons to Stay Alive" by Matt Haig have been instrumental for those struggling with mental health, helping friends and family understand their experiences.

NIAMH: When did you first struggle with mental health?

HARRIET: I've had ups and downs, particularly with stress and anxiety. These issues peaked during my teens and early 20s. Over time, I've learned to manage them, recognizing triggers and using strategies like reading to center myself.

NIAMH: How did anxiety manifest for you?

HARRIET: Anxiety made me an overthinker, recycling thoughts repeatedly. It often led to existential anxiety and a reluctance to leave the house. Understanding these feelings only came later when anxiety and depression became more publicly discussed.

NIAMH: How did you address your mental health initially?

HARRIET: Writing has always been a catharsis for me. Reading, though, was something I didn't realize was helping until much later. Simple self-care activities, like taking a bath, also played a role.

NIAMH: What was it about books that helped?

HARRIET: Reading during stressful times, like exam periods, was a stress management tool. The FutureLearn course on Reading for Wellbeing was pivotal in realizing how essential reading is for my self-care routine.

Dr. Paula Byrne on FutureLearn

NIAMH: Paula, tell us about FutureLearn and the course you created.

PAULA: The course began after my husband enjoyed a Shakespeare course on FutureLearn. I wanted to create a course on mental health and literature, making the learning experience conversational and accessible. My personal experience with my daughter’s health issues and the lack of good reading material in hospitals inspired the course.

BETH: What does the course involve?

PAULA: It’s a six-week course with themes like Alzheimer's, heartbreak, and stress. We have conversations with healthcare practitioners to explain the physiological aspects of these conditions and discuss mental health perspectives. We also feature public figures like Stephen Fry, who openly discuss their mental health struggles.

BETH: Can you give examples of impactful books?

PAULA: Classics like Wordsworth’s sonnets are comforting due to their rhythmic nature. Poems by Katherine Philips, who wrote about personal loss, resonate deeply with many, including myself.

Connecting Through Literature

NIAMH: Is the course about creating a community?

PAULA: Absolutely. We encouraged learners to share their stories and continue conversations in online forums, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation.

NIAMH: What mental health conditions did learners have, and how did they benefit?

PAULA: Many were caregivers experiencing stress, finding solace in poetry. Reading aloud and focusing on poems helped lower stress and provide mental clarity.

Personal Favorites and Rereading

NIAMH: Harriet, what books do you turn to on a bad day?

HARRIET: It varies. For escape, I might read sci-fi like "Ready Player One." For understanding, books like "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami help explore themes of loneliness and identity.

NIAMH: Do you reread books?

HARRIET: Yes, frequently. Childhood books like "Harry Potter" and AA Milne’s "When We Were Very Young" bring comfort and nostalgia.

NIAMH: Paula, what’s your take on rereading?

PAULA: Rereading is therapeutic, offering new insights as we grow. Books like "Winnie-the-Pooh" reveal deeper meanings over time, providing comfort and familiarity.

NIAMH: Can serious books also resonate during tough times?

PAULA: Yes, serious literature can provide profound understanding. My go-to books include "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen and works by PG Wodehouse for their comforting familiarity.

Practical Tips

BETH: Are there tips for getting more from reading for wellbeing?

PAULA: Try reading poetry. It’s manageable and rich in emotional depth. Find a quiet place, breathe slowly, and let the poetry resonate. Anthologies like "Stressed Unstressed" offer a good start.

Conclusion

NIAMH: Bibliotherapy can be a powerful tool for managing mental health, offering comfort, understanding, and a sense of community through literature. Whether through novels or poetry, reading can be an essential part of self-care.