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Today, I’m honored to feature Bryony Best, an indie author, Holistic therapist, and a great part of the writing community on Twitter. You can learn more about Bryony Best here.
Please introduce yourself!
I publish memoir style books that shine a light on healing trauma, addiction recovery and mental health. Spirituality is also embedded into all my books, and I share my own spiritual development and growth. I am also a Holistic Therapist who has studied mediumship for many years.
My books are currently being used as resources within mental health in the U.K. and USA 🇺🇸. I also started my own branding line and I currently sell TGFP limited edition merchandise alongside my books. I enjoy offering early intervention for mental health, and addiction awareness within local schools.
Please tell us a little about yourself and the kind of stories you write.
I draw inspiration from my personal experiences in life. My books cover sensitive subjects such as trauma healing, mental health, alcoholism, drug addiction, and wellbeing. I publish books across various genres from self-help to thriller.
Would you, if you feel comfortable, mind sharing a bit about your mental health journey?
I have suffered with my mental health since childhood. I attended therapy as a kid and by the age of thirteen was on a path to destruction through alcohol and drug addiction. By adulthood I was a mess experiencing life changing symptoms. A heart attack in my early twenties was not enough to scare me off my addictions.
Drink and drugs pull on mental health leaving me a wreck. Many years later I attended rehab which was the beginning of my recovery. Once I started to heal my body my mind detteriated more. I soon discovered that I needed to heal my traumas before my mental health would improve.
How has your mental health influenced your writing process or creativity?
It is what drives me to create honest stories that are helping readers all over the globe. Mental health and my desire to help others is what motivates me. Writing was a form of therapy for me and it still is.
Do you find writing to be healing, challenging, or a bit of both?
A bit of both. As helpful as writing is for processing thoughts, feelings, and emotions it can also take you back to old traumas or thought processes that do not serve ones recovery.
Has your experience with mental health shaped the themes or characters in your stories?
100%. I am the main character and I share my own challenges through my books. My fourth book - A Healing Journey is 100% based on how I have coped with longterm medical conditions including mental health.
Are there any writing routines, boundaries, or self-care habits that help you stay grounded?
I meditate daily and spend time in nature. My house is decorated with natural colours to help keep me grounded. I avoid negative energy and people.
What advice would you give to other writers who have similar struggles as you?
Be honest and true to yourself. Seek advice and reach put to others if you need support.
Have you ever taken breaks from writing to focus on your mental health?
No.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being a writer with mental health struggles?
It can effect your motivation and make you self critical.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?
If you know anyone who struggles with their mental health then please recommend them my books. My first book contains over ten years of research date for happiness.
Where can readers connect with you and your work? (Socials, website, books, etc.)
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Thank you for reading!
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