I interviewed Natalie Roberts!
She is the bestselling author of Write Through Depression,
freelance social care, self-help, and personal development writer.
Elira: Hi Natalie, it's great to have you here. Welcome to my blog!
Natalie: Thanks for having me on your blog, I’m really grateful you asked me to be on it.
Elira: Your book, Write Through Depression became an Amazon bestseller within 24 hours from its release. How crazy is that? How did you celebrate?
Natalie: I couldn’t believe it. I don't have a large social media following and I hadn’t done a lot of marketing before hand, so I was shocked, but so happy. I had a takeaway. Does that count as celebrating? I have a 4 week old baby, an 18 month old toddler and two other kids, so there isn’t much time for celebrating at the moment.
I may treat myself to a pair of new shoes.
Elira: How are you hoping this book will change people's lives? Natalie: I’ve had depression since I was a teenager. I know how it feels to think it’s never going to be any different or that you won’t get better. It’s hard to find a way to cope sometimes and I’m grateful I found writing as a teenager.
I wanted to show others that writing may help them. It’s not specifically for people who already write, it’s for anyone. It’s about expressing your thoughts and feelings, not whether you can spell or not, that doesn't matter. I explain my depression story in the book and the different writing mediums I’ve used to cope with my depression.
Elira: Depression and mental health, in general, are delicate topics to discuss. Was there any chapter or topic covered in the book that was particularly difficult to write about? Natalie: Writing the ‘my story’ chapter was difficult. I explained things that happened in my childhood that contributed to my depression. I also touched on postnatal depression which was difficult to talk about, but I believe talking is the only way to let people know they aren’t alone, and that there isn’t something wrong with them.
Elira: How important was research when writing this book?
Natalie: It was important, but the book is written from my personal experience. The research I did was mostly getting accurate descriptions of different types of depression, and services available for people wanting to take control of their depression. I am also a mental health student in my second year of a BSc in mental health and wellbeing, so that helped with research.
Elira: What is the most surprising thing you discovered when writing this book? Natalie: More people than you realise are struggling everyday, and it only takes one person to speak up, to make other people feel comfortable to tell their story and ask for help. So many people reached out to me that I know, who never would have before I wrote this book. I’m glad they did.
Elira: How has writing as a coping mechanism helped you personally?
Natalie: Writing has helped me express myself better and given me clarity. Writing my feelings down has been a great emotional release. Writing this book and telling my story, even though I was nervous for people to read it, has made me proud of myself. It can be hard to tell loved ones how you really feel, because you don’t want to upset them, so writing it all down instead of bottling it up can really help.
Elira: In your opinion, what is the best way for someone to help and support a loved one who suffers from depression? Natalie: Listen to them. Don't dismiss their feelings. Be there if they need you and tell them they are loved. Be understanding. Depression manifests in many different ways.
Elira: Do you have any advice for writers struggling with mental health, other than what has already been said in your book? Natalie: Ask for help. It’s what I would say to anyone. Be gentle with yourself. Don’t give up on your writing, it will hep you.
Elira: What about advice to aspiring writers in general? Natalie: Again, don’t give up. It took me over two years to Write Through Depression. There are many avenues open to you these days. Time passes away, so never worry that it’s taking too long.
Elira: Natalie, what are your plans for the near future? Is a new book already in the works? Natalie: Yes, I’m working on the next book called Journal Through Depression. I touched on journaling briefly in Write Through Depression, but this book goes deeper into the history, therapeutic value and types of journaling that can help you.
Elira: Time to get to know you better... let's go!
City or country?
Natalie: Country
Elira: Paperback or ebook?
Natalie: Paperback
Elira: Your favourite line from any song.
Natalie: Go head and hate on me hater, I'm not afraid of, What I got I paid for, You can hate on me - Jill Scott
Elira: What's your favourite decade?
Natalie: I was born in the 80’s and grew up in the 90’s, so the 90’s is the best decade.
Elira: If your house were burning down, what would you take away with you and why?
Natalie: Besides my kids (I have to say that don’t I?), it would be my iMac because it has all my writing on it.
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Natalie Roberts' book: Write Through Depression
Get in touch with Natalie Roberts
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