MHI: UGLY SWEATER POEM by Jessica Drake-Thomas

Trigger Warning: This piece addresses mental health The HWA is pleased to launch its Mental Health Initiative, a coordinated roll-out of events, resources, and activities intended to promote positive mental health, foster the concept of hope, and challenge the stigma of mental illness in the horror genre. The initiative, run by the organization’s Wellness Committee, launches in June, and includes the following blog posts from Of Horror and Hope, a downloadable anthology of poems, flash fiction, and personal reflections on mental health by HWA members.   UGLY SWEATER POEM Jessica Drake-Thomas Depression is a heavy wool sweater, drenched by spring rain—clinging,…

HWA Mental Health Initiative

In June 2022, the Horror Writers Association launched its Mental Health Initiative, comprising, resources, and activities intended to promote positive mental health, foster the concept of hope, and challenge the stigma of mental illness in the horror genre. The initiative, run by the organisation’s Wellness Committee, is an ongoing programme of work. In the initiative’s first year a dedicated webpage for resources was established on the HWA website, and Of Horror and Hope, a downloadable anthology of poems, flash fiction, and personal reflections on mental health by HWA members was published. Ongoing activities include “Holistic Horrors”, a monthly column in…

Mental Health Initiative Charter

From the HWA Wellness Committee The aim of the Horror Writers Association’s Mental Health Initiative is to bring hope and promote inclusion for those who endure mental illness. The initiative wants to challenge a climate within the horror genre that has traditionally focused on poor and ill-informed representations of mental illness, and this is known to be a vehicle to perpetuate stigma in wider society. The Wellness Committee will focus on the following core elements when designing and developing its promotions and activities: To promote a positive image of mental illness/health To challenge and reduce the stigma associated with mental…

HWA MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE RESOURCES

This listing is non-exhaustible and will be updated regularly so that members have access to the most current materials as we gain access to them. For the purposes of this initial list, the contents are established resources readily available on the internet but condensed here for the purpose of ease. There will be an ongoing process of review and there are planned future additions of lived-experience reflections from members and recommended reading materials. NATIONAL HELPLINES/INFORMATION WEBSITES National helplines in territories where the HWA has a membership of 5 people or more. Those sites that feature any kind of paid service…

MHI: POWERS OF FIRE by Mary Leoson

Trigger Warning: This piece addresses mental health The HWA is pleased to launch its Mental Health Initiative, a coordinated roll-out of events, resources, and activities intended to promote positive mental health, foster the concept of hope, and challenge the stigma of mental illness in the horror genre. The initiative, run by the organization’s Wellness Committee, launches in June, and includes the following blog posts from Of Horror and Hope, a downloadable anthology of poems, flash fiction, and personal reflections on mental health by HWA members.   POWERS OF FIRE Mary Leoson When students learn that two areas I haunt are…
13 Reasons Horror Should Put On A Happy Face by Nzondi

13 Reasons Horror Should Put On A Happy Face by Nzondi

In Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance in his portrayal of Batman's most notorious villain in The Dark Knight, he said, “As you know, madness is like gravity … all it takes is a little push.”
This Is All of Us by Mark Matthews

This Is All of Us by Mark Matthews

If it’s true that some of the greatest horror fiction comes from the deepest personal pain, that the torment of the writer weaves itself into fiction, then Horror, the way it shines a light on the darkest parts of humanity, is in a unique position to look at mental health.

The HWA Supports Mental Health Awareness Month

The Horror Writers Association is pleased to announce a new program to show support to those in the horror community and beyond facing mental health issues or helping friends and family members who are. You are not alone. No matter how dark or haunted the house may seem a light is always on in the window. Mental health issues affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity—and in any profession. Writers are no exception. Spending as much time in isolation while working as writers do, though, it can be easy to feel cut off or alone, especially when struggling with…