Writing heavy subjects without triggering yourself?
Back during Camp NaNoWriMo in April I wrote what I hoped would be a very impactful death scene for a young character who was...not actually that close to my protagonist, but very close to one of the protag's friends. I got super stuck right afterwards; every time I went back to work on the novel I would go back and read that scene and just feel sad. I kept writing until the end of the month but got mired in small talk and description; the character's death was supposed to heighten the protagonist's emotional investment in the plot but I just had a really hard time moving on from that scene.
Now I've been working on something different and one of the characters is...not in a good headspace at all. He's going on vacation and about to meet the love of his life, but he's Been Through A Lot and is fairly depressed and might also have PTSD (I haven't really decided yet). Even though his traumatic experiences are totally unrelated to mine, some of the feelings do carry over to some extent, and it's...a little TOO easy to see myself in his situation.
Work's super stressful right now as well, but I'm feeling fragile and sensitive and worried about how my writing might be contributing instead of helping. I get a lot of story ideas that are kind of intense and I hope they'll be cathartic or help me process my feelings in some way, but maybe they're just keeping me stuck?
Anyone else? I really want to write both of these stories but I also need to, like, be okay...
@Ponderosa5 I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging time, both with your writing and the stresses in your life. It's completely understandable to feel a strong emotional connection to the characters and stories you create, even when they touch on difficult topics. Writing can be a powerful form of self-expression and catharsis, but it can also bring up complex emotions.
It's important to prioritize your well-being and mental health. If you feel that your writing is becoming overwhelming or contributing to your stress, it might be helpful to take a step back and focus on self-care. It's okay to give yourself permission to set aside your writing projects temporarily if they're causing you distress.
Many writers have experienced similar struggles, and it's not uncommon to need a break or a change in creative direction to ensure your mental and emotional health. Remember that your creativity will always be there when you're ready to return to it. In the meantime, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial during difficult times.
Take care of yourself, and when you're ready, you can approach your writing with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Your stories will be waiting for you.
Additionally, taking notes of your ideas or thoughts as they arise can be beneficial during this break. This will ensure that you don't forget them and can return to them when you're in a better place to write. Exploring more light-hearted writing projects during this period can also be a wonderful way to shift your focus and enjoy a different creative outlet. Take care!
