Healing Others, Hurting Ourselves? The Emotional Risks of Writing About Mental Health

Writing about mental health can be an act of service. It gives voice to the voiceless, breaks stigmas, and creates bridges of empathy between readers and those struggling with invisible illnesses. However, behind many of these powerful narratives lies a hidden cost: the emotional toll on the writers themselves. Whether drawing from personal experience or delving into the stories of others, writers face unique psychological risks that often go unacknowledged.

The Dual Role of Storyteller and Survivor

Writers who have personal experience with mental illness often straddle the roles of both survivor and storyteller. In revisiting their own histories for the sake of their work, they may be forced to relive deeply painful moments. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, or even re-traumatization. Writing may start out as a healing exercise but can quickly become a source of distress when the line between reflection and reliving is blurred.

The vulnerability required to share mental health experiences publicly also leaves writers exposed. Criticism, misinterpretation, or even well-meaning praise can feel overwhelming. For some, the pressure to continue being open and “inspirational” becomes an emotional weight that is hard to carry.

Absorbing Others’ Trauma

Not all mental health writers are writing their own stories—many interview others, report on mental health issues, or research trauma. In doing so, they take on the emotional weight of other people’s pain. The process of internalizing someone else’s trauma, known as secondary trauma or vicarious traumatization, is well-documented in caregiving professions but often overlooked in writing.

Writers may find themselves haunted by the stories they document, waking up at night thinking about a subject they interviewed, or feeling helpless in the face of systemic failures they expose. Over time, this repeated exposure can lead to emotional fatigue or burnout.

The Burden of Responsibility

There is also a moral and social responsibility that comes with mental health writing. Writers must navigate ethical questions: Am I representing this condition fairly? Could this trigger someone? Is this story doing more harm than good? The fear of making a mistake or being misunderstood can become paralyzing.

The expectation to end stories with hope and recovery can also be emotionally taxing. While positive outcomes are comforting for readers, they may not always reflect the reality of the writer’s own journey. Feeling compelled to wrap up complex, ongoing struggles into neat narratives can create internal conflict and suppress authenticity.

Protecting the Writer’s Mental Health

To continue doing this important work sustainably, writers must practice emotional self-care. This includes setting boundaries around their work, taking breaks, and seeking professional support when needed. It also involves recognizing that they are not obligated to share everything, nor must they always be the voice of hope.

Conclusion

Writing about mental health has the power to change lives, but it should not come at the cost of the writer’s own well-being. By acknowledging the emotional risks and taking steps to protect themselves, writers can continue to tell these vital stories—without losing themselves in the process.