The Best Thing about Being a Mental Health Writer
I’m a mental health writer. When I tell people I’m a mental health writer, however, the most common response I get is, “what’s that?”
Well, like a travel writer writes about travel, I write about mental health. Perhaps my type is not as common as a travel writer, but mental health writers are out there, nonetheless.
And, I have to say, it’s not easy being a mental health writer. It means talking about unpleasant subjects on a daily basis and facing parts of yourself that you’d probably prefer to gloss over. And it means forming an opinion, standing up and standing by that opinion even when it’s very unpopular. (At least, that’s what being a mental health writer means to me.)
And making a living is hard and there are no vacations, no weekends and no sick days.
The Best Thing about Being a Mental Health Writer
But. There are big bonuses. Nope, they don’t consist of cheques with lots of zeros, but they do consist of changing people’s lives. I change lives for a living. I help people. People choose to get treatment because of me. People don’t hurt themselves. People don’t kill themselves. Because of the hope I offer. Because of the words I offer.
Egotistical? Maybe. But I’m lucky enough to get letters from readers who tell me these things almost every day. Private letters that tell of private struggles and the way this little home of mine on the internet has helped.
And I’m so grateful. I’m grateful to have a role where I get to help people.
So, the best thing about being a mental health writer is the readers. For all the flack I get from some, the love I get from others completely outweighs it.
Thanks all for letting me be a part of your journey.
Andrea - September 3, 2012 ←
I’m a mental health writer too, though on a smaller scale. I started writing my blog because I always wished I could read an account of someone living with bipolar disorder. I found lots of blog entries about suffering with mania and depression, but not about living an everyday life with the disorder, so I decided to write one about my personal experiences, and, you’re right, connecting with readers has been the most gratifying part of the process of writing and publishing my blog. Thanks for your blog. I have enjoyed reading it over the years.
Natasha Tracy - September 3, 2012 ←
Hi Andrea,
Oh, I spent years writing for an audience of about 60 people, and I agree, it was still gratifying then. Making a small difference is still a difference.
You’re welcome :)
- Natasha Tracy
PsychedinSF - August 14, 2012 ←
We love your compassion and devotion to writing from the heart and touching lives inspiring people to get the help they deserve and know they do not walk alone. Its a rewarding feeling knowing someone has been changed for the better because of your blog!-PsychedinSF
Piotr N. - July 8, 2012 ←
Yes, you truly are influencing lives of us mentally ill and our families. You write in an honest and accessible way about our struggle. You are our voice, expressing thoughts and feelings that are sometimes so hard to put in words. It happened many times – I sent a link to one of your articles to someone close to me, and after they read suddenly they “get it”. Things I tried to explain for hours sometimes! You do something that matters. I never said “thank you” to you before, so I do it now.
Thank you thousand times Natasha!
- Piotr N.
Natasha Tracy - July 8, 2012 ←
Hi Piotr,
You’re welcome, of course. Thanks for telling that my material is reaching out and touching others in such a positive way. I have heard this same story from others and it really makes me feel like I _do_ do something worthwhile and helpful for people.
I’m glad I could help.
- Natasha Tracy
Patricia - July 7, 2012 ←
Hi Natasha,
I am so thankful to you! I was in a really bad place the other night and I felt like I was alone and that I might hurt myself. I wrote a comment on your blog and you responded right away along with your other readers.
I was having a mixed mood episode and didn’t know where else to turn. I went on a chat room and a person there told me “the sun will come out tomorrow”. Not exactly what I needed to hear and actually made my mood worse because it pissed me off. You and your readers gave me the courage and the strength to ride out the storm, as it were, and you saw me through.
I can’t thank you enough Natasha. Your blog gives people a place to vent and to get realistic feedback.
I don’t know what would have happened the other night if I didn’t have your blog.
Sincerely,
Patricia
Natasha Tracy - July 8, 2012 ←
Hi Patricia,
Well, I like to think (rightly or wrongly) that if I wasn’t here, you would find another person to reach out to, because I think that’s important, mostly because I know I can’t always be here within minutes although I try the best I can to do the best I can for people.
Regardless, you know how I feel about helping you and people like you. I feel like if I can do that, it’s a good day’s work for me. I honoured I could help you when you needed it. I love having you hear and wouldn’t want that to change.
- Natasha Tracy
Teresa - June 19, 2012 ←
Three cheers to Natasha, Hip Hip, also to the person (s), behind you, I think of you and deadlines, and the research, and the pressure, the love, the mindfulness, the intensity, the times you don’t want to get out of bed, the whole gamit really, so I think of your wonderful support people thank you for caring about Natasha, she’s a keeper.
Natasha Tracy - June 19, 2012 ←
Hi Teresa,
Thank-you. It’s sort of nice to know that someone is thinking of the person behind the writings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s OK that most people don’t, it’s just kind of nice to know that someone appreciates me in spite of my, humanity I guess.
Again, thank-you. I try to be worth keeping around.
- Natasha Tracy
Meandmybipolarbear - June 18, 2012 ←
I have only been following you for a short while but each post is relative aNd informative and honest. I’m new to this blogging world and if I can be a fraction as helpful as you by simply through sharing my own story i will be forever grateful that I could give something back to do something useful with this illness! Those of us who suffer mental illnesses must stick together when the systems built to help us are so difficult complex and simetime useless. Good on you for acknowdgibg the difference you are making, thanks for keeping it real and extending a hand in guidance, nuture and respect.
David Efwards - June 19, 2012 ←
hear hear!
Natasha Tracy - June 19, 2012 ←
Hi Meandmybipolarbear,
Nice to see a new reader, always. Thank-you so much. I do my best.
- Natasha Tracy
ayodeji - June 18, 2012 ←
Awesome! Really great to be a problem solver. As a student of psychology ,am with you on that opinion
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Ayodeji,
Thanks. Nice to see a psych student around these parts.
- Natasha Tracy
Janet Singer - June 18, 2012 ←
In my opinion, and also judging by all these wonderful comments, you are a great mental health writer. Sharing your experiences, knowledge, insights, and opinions is so helpful and, I believe, gives your readers the greatest gift of all………hope. Thank you.
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Janet,
Thank-you so much.
It’s interesting because I don’t consider myself all that hopeful a case and lots of the stuff I talk about is pretty dark. But I think I do try to offer realistic perspective and that does give people hope. If we aren’t wrapped up completely in the pain we can see the hope. And I guess I try to do that – explain the pain and offer that sliver of light too.
I’m honoured that people find it hopeful and if I can manage that, I’m a happy little writer.
- Natasha Tracy
Deb - June 18, 2012 ←
I’ve been so helped by your blogs – learning about my condition and receiving hope that I’m not out of my mind to be experiencing what I do. Others have similar experiences and I’ll be alright. I know there’s a community out there that understands.
So, I have a question. At 17, eighteen years before diagnosis I had at least 2 psychotic episodes. Now that I’m diagnosed and medicated, at age 36, am I likely to experience psychosis again? How will I know? I’m kinda scared that it will happen again and I’ll do weird stuff.
Thanks!
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Deb,
Thanks. I’m glad to know you’re feeling more connected. That one thing alone can help people immensely.
Regarding your question, it’s very hard to say whether you will experience another psychotic episode or not. I would say some of that involves life stressors – for example, if you have a lot of stressors all at once, that is more likely to bring about an episode, and that could be psychosis.
I would suggest, however, that if you haven’t had a psychotic episode in such a long time, the chances are slim without some kind of major aggravating factor. (And I probably don’t need to say this, but don’t even think about drinking or doing drugs because that can dramatically increase the risk.)
If you’re concerned about psychosis, I recommend you check this site out: http://www.bcss.org/
It is a site for schizophrenia but much of their writing has to do just with psychosis in general. They really know their stuff and their documents are really useful. I think you’ll learn a lot there.
Hope that helps.
- Natasha Tracy
Deb - June 18, 2012 ←
Thanks, Natasha! I’ve read a lot on the site and it was helpful. Also scared me a little bit so just needed reassurance that maybe I don’t really need to worry about psychosis happening again.
And I never touch alcohol or illicit drugs, so I’m safe there!
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Deb,
Psychosis is a scary thing, to be sure, but I’m a big believer that knowledge is power and psychosis is part of an illness just like anything else so awareness of it is good in my book.
That being said, of course you don’t want to experience it again :) I hope you never do. But maybe your awareness will mean you can catch any symptoms early and avoid a major psychotic episode – if one should ever arise.
- Natasha Tracy
Madison (@MadisonOsulliva) - June 18, 2012 ←
This is a sweet post:) I read your articles from time to time and find them to be quite informative as well as helpful. Have a great day and week!
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Thanks Madison, you too.
- Natasha Tracy
Madison (@MadisonOsulliva) - June 18, 2012 ←
This is a sweet post:) Have a great day and week!
jeanine - June 18, 2012 ←
I understand very well your situation. I was writing about my daughter’s mental illness a lot for a while. It is not easy. I had to take a break. More power to you and thanks for being a voice out there.
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Jeanine,
Yes, it definitely can be hard and I support taking a break when you need to. It’ll just make you come back stronger. Or maybe you will find another way to use your time. Either way, it’ll improve your mental wellness.
You’re welcome.
- Natasha Tracy
apriL - June 18, 2012 ←
Just another person here to thank you for what you do. The articles on your site have been an immense help to me, It also helps knowing that you are someone who struggles with bipolar also, and that you understand where your readers are coming from.
So thanks. :-)
–apriL
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi April,
Thank-you. I like to think that I would be an effective writer no matter my diagnosis but, of course, being bipolar myself does give me special insight into the disorder and I think that does come across.
- Natasha Tracy
Fred Von Gunten - June 18, 2012 ←
Natasha…Again, you have that fantastic ability to prove your positive points as a Mental Health Writer. And You are very convincing, so that your Readers know Your Sincerity; there by Giving them the Hope to continue in Life. You know Me …I Thrive on the “Power of Positivity” !
Dr Fred
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Fred,
Sometimes I get weighed down because there is lots to be negative about sometimes – but it’s important to remember all the good because there is so much.
And some days I just feel – yay positivity – and it’s nice to share that sentiment.
- Natasha Tracy
Joseph M. Bowers - June 18, 2012 ←
Natasha I think you are a very, very good mental health writer. Please keep doing what you are doing. My diagnosis was schizophrenia rather than bipolar disorder, but I also get a great deal from your work.
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Joseph,
Thank-you. I believe that people with different mental illnesses can get help from the writings but I didn’t know that anyone else agreed with me :)
I’m happy to have you here and I consider schizophrenia and bipolar to be cousins. So, hi cuz.
- Natasha Tracy
David Efwards - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Natasha, thank you for your writings and long may you continue! You write very well and use English a way that makes information accessible to all English readers, not just those in North America. Unlike like some biogs, yours does not require prior experience of the mentalist world whether as a patient or as a MH worker. #justsaying. David
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi David,
Thank-you! Your words mean that I am meeting some of my goals. I like to believe my writing is accessible and I work hard to make it that way. I’m honoured that people read me from around the globe.
- Natasha Tracy
herb - June 18, 2012 ←
Dear Natasha,
I extend a toast to you as I raise my morning glass of orange juice.
May the positives of your powerful mental health writings for the benefit of others mirror the wellness and best wishes you’d hope to achieve for yourself.
Warmly,
Herb
vnsdepression@gmail.com
http://www.vnstherapy-herb.blogspot.com
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Hi Herb,
Well, no orange juice here, but I raise my coffee to you too. Thank-you for your years of support.
- Natasha
David - June 17, 2012 ←
Thank you. For everything you do. You’ve helped me in more ways than you could ever possibly know.
Natasha Tracy - June 17, 2012 ←
Hi David,
Thank-you for telling me that. I’m honored if I can help.
Thanks.
- Natasha Tracy
Jeanne Morrow - June 17, 2012 ←
Hi, Natasha~!
Another terrific post by you. What a pleasure to ‘hear’ you state how worthy and worthwhile your work is……because it truly is~! Further, that you are so committed to the cause of furthering the advancement of educating not just folks with mental health diagnoses, but also (and perhaps especially) those who do not have diagnoses. Last, that you love your work, warts and all.
Keep up the great work. Even if just one person finds their life moved to a greater Peace, then it is truly worth the time and effort.
Shall look forward to your next post~~
’til next time,
Jeanne Morrow
Natasha Tracy - June 17, 2012 ←
Hi Jeanne,
Yes, I do believe it’s worthwhile work otherwise I wouldn’t do it. Believe me, I put a lot of time and effort into it and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel it was having a meaningful effect.
And yes, on good days I can definitely profess how much I love my work, here, on the Burble more than anywhere else (not that elsewhere is bad, just that this is my home). It’s tough some days but today I feel like celebrating all the good and I thank one Twitter follower for reminding me of all the good I do for people out there that I will never meet and never hear from (she shares my work with her support group who love it).
Thanks for your support.
- Natasha Tracy
Jeanne Morrow - June 18, 2012 ←
You’re welcome, Natasha~! Also? I love that not only are you proficient with your mental health writing, but you also are a computer savvy woman~! Wow~! I say, “You GO, Gyrl” :))
Jeanne
Natasha Tracy - June 18, 2012 ←
Well thanks Jeanne. :)
Yes, I’m computer-savvy, you might say (I have a degree in computer science).
- Natasha
Lee Horbachewski @SimpLee_Serene - June 17, 2012 ←
Natasha this is FANTASTIC. I will be bookmarking this to be reminded on the days I want to give up that I am a Proud Mental Health Writer.
Thank you
Lee :D
Natasha Tracy - June 17, 2012 ←
Hi Lee,
I was thinking about you when I wrote this, actually, after some of our conversations. You should be _proud_. You’re doing great work. I’m happy to remind you of that.
- Natasha Tracy