Two Bahrain-based writers have published their verses in PTSD – a collection of personal stories and poems about living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Former resident and publisher Robin Barratt unveiled the 277-page anthology on April 13, ahead of mental health awareness month in May.
More than 100 wordsmiths from countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Malawi, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, the UAE, and the US have contributed to the ensemble.
Publisher: Robin with his latest release PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in some people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or frightening event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident or assault, or a terrorist act or military combat. Those who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or injury could also be affected.
Individuals with PTSD often relive the past trauma in painful memories, recurring dreams or nightmares, with symptoms usually co-existing alongside other conditions such as substance use disorders, depression and anxiety.
According to World Health Organisation, around 3.9 per cent of the global population has had PTSD at some stage in their lives, with the prevalence rate being higher – 5.6pc – in people who have experienced trauma.
Many people developed mental health issues amid the uncertainty of the recent Iranian attacks. While being exposed to potentially traumatic events does not guarantee PTSD, there was a reported increase in cases related to mental wellbeing during the conflict, nodding to the timely decision to publish the book.
PTSD is the eighth compilation in Robin’s mental health series. Previously released anthologies covered topics, including addiction, anxiety and depression, as well as a trilogy on general mental health.
“Putting thoughts, feelings and emotions into words, on paper, can be both therapeutic and an incredibly effective method of self-help and healing,” Robin told GulfWeekly.
The 62-year-old Briton, who is currently based in Norwich, has trained with Red Cross and the UK charity MIND, and occasionally provides private mental health support to clients. He highlighted that many contributors have benefited from articulating their traumatic experience for the book.
Saar-based consultant Rupa Bhargava, who publishes under her pen name Ajaat Anant (‘eternally unborn’), has contributed a prose piece entitled The Breath Between the Bends and two poems: The Heavy Lift and Debris of the Heart.
Poet: Rupa
“My journey has been defined by two distinct periods of short-term PTSD: the first followed a road accident in 1997 where the driver abandoned our jeep when the brakes failed, leading to massive physical and emotional trauma.
“The second wave was triggered by my mother’s stroke and her passing last year,” the 49-year-old bilingual poet revealed.
The avid reader, singer, and guitarist has been published in various local and international platforms, and her work has featured in several prestigious literary magazines and anthologies.
“Three more of my contributions are expected to release this year,” added the Bahrain resident of 20 years.
Expressive writing, experts say, can also help ‘detangle thoughts’ and process emotions, making it an effective coping mechanism through stressful or painful situations.
In fact, ‘melancholy’ is a common muse for many writers. Among them is Anju Kapoor from Manama, who believes that she writes best when in a ‘sombre’ state.
“There is a line in my poem Mirror of the Mind:‘I write the best when in a sombre state’, which, for me, is not just a statement but almost a coping mechanism to let it all out – unfiltered,” she explained.
“The verse ‘Self-reflection is my mirror’ deepens the central metaphor. Now the mirror is no longer external — it is internal scrutiny,” added the 54-year-old visual artist, who has been residing in Bahrain for the last 30 years.
In the past, Anju has actively contributed to various mental health awareness forums and hopes to continue raising awareness on mental health, particularly PTSD, within her circle.
Writer: Anju
Additionally, she aspires to create Ekphrastic art – a more vivid, creative description or interpretation of visual pieces using poetry or prose.
“I want to channel every compelling emotion into something positive, and dive into a deeper submergence of the ‘self’,” she added.
PTSD is available for purchase on Amazon.
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