Writing About Mental Ilness

One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. As an educator, friend, family member and parent, I’ve been personally affected, as have so many of us. Yet, we struggle to accept and understand mental illness, knowing when to seek support and how to find it. In my own circle of friends, four of us have fought to find answers for ourselves and our own children.

Their well-being became our utmost priority as we did everything possible to save them. Mental illness takes a toll not only on the person who is trying to find their way, but on family, friends colleagues and the community.

I had published my first book Steering Through It, a memoir, in 2017 after experiencing a life-threatening illness. I knew very little about this overwhelming world of publishing and made many mistakes the first time around. The 2nd edition of Steering Through It was released two years later and is an award-winner.

Jackson was going to be very different for me as an author as it was to be based on real life experiences, but fictional.

I was having difficulty writing from the point of view of this young man, developing a character whose anxiety had become all encompassing.

I knew I needed some guidance from experienced authors and reached out to the Facebook group of “Women Writers, Women’s Books” just over a year ago. I wondered about having a ghost writer or coach.

Yvonne Marrs, a well-respected author from the UK with personal experience in mental illness, responded to my inquiry. Over several months of correspondence between us, she took me to a place where I could write from Jackson’s point of view and his character came to life.

After many meetings and formal interviews with parents whose children have been suffering, as well as my own experiences as a mother, June came to fruition. She portrays any mother who is desperate to free her son from his own demons. She faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save Jackson to her own detriment.

As written by Alan Goyette (Clinical Social Worker) in the introduction, “Perhaps most importantly this book not only provides a stark and realistic depiction of how mother and son are dealing with Jackson’s mental health, it also provides the reader with a vision of hope — a potential pathway through the systemic and very personal landmines inherent in Jackson and June’s world — towards understanding and acceptance. McLaughlin puts a human face on the very fears, anxieties, and self-doubt that are ubiquitous in the world of mental health.”

While Jackson is fictional, it is based on the experiences of many and is an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who has undertaken to understand, to help, and to love when faced with the unthinkable. Jackson is a book filled with compassion and humanity but at times painful and frustrating to read. This book promises to bring hope and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health.

I hope that Jackson will become part of a conversation where we are each comfortable talking openly about mental illness. With education, comes acceptance and advocacy. We can learn to recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. Let’s pick up the phone or go for a visit. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their futures.

The testimonials from advanced readers are what every author hopes for:

“Jackson, a bold and unforgettable story, follows the journey of a  family as they navigate the turbulent waters of mental illness. Every parent wants the best for their child and when something goes wrong, they find themselves grasping for any and all advice available. Canadian author, Lynn McLaughlin, paints a loving, relatable and clear picture of the hurdles maneuvered by this family.

The honesty and beauty in this moving story speak to McLaughlin’s ability to weave an engrossing tale and to her unwavering empathy.”

Mary-Anne Mouawad

B.A., B.Ed.,M.Ed., OCT

In the midst of this pandemic, authors have had to become flexible in finding new ways to launch our books. I’m thrilled to share that two fellow authors are co-hosting our virtual book launch party (Jenn Sadai and Melissa Lyons) which will be broadcast live to my Facebook business page. It’s being held on October 21st at 7 pm EST with a jam-packed agenda. Jackson will be available wherever books are sold. Updates on the upcoming launch can be found on my website: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/jackson

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Lynn McLaughlin is an award-winning author who writes with passion, sensitivity, and insight never losing sight of the reader. She is the host of the podcast, “Taking the Helm” and has also helped many aspiring authors publish their manuscripts through her personalized and interactive “Time to Publish” workshop series. Lynn has recently retired as an educator after 31 years, serving in many roles including Superintendent of Education, Principal, Vice-Principal, French and Special Education teacher. Mother of three grown children, she currently lives with her husband in southern Ontario. Driven by a single mission, Lynn leads and empowers us to make conscious and positive choices.

JACKSON 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing