For this week’s blog I chose Hana Feels. It is a blog about self-harm. I thought the way Inglis told the story using text like dialogue and the suicide hotline was an interesting way to deliver this message. I like that he added journaling to gain an inside perspective into our main character. It showed Hana’s progress with being able to open up and talk about her struggles. Inglis provided three different outcomes which I enjoyed. It felt like a pick your own adventure book. I thought the depiction of the Hanna’s mom was on point. It gave the audience a clear picture as to why she can’t talk to her mom about her mental heath struggles. The most important part of this piece was at the end. Inglis provided resources for his audience if they find themselves struggling mentally.

The topic of self-harm is something I’m familiar with. I spent my high school years hiding my scars, now my tattoos cover them. I know first-hand what it’s like to suffer with feelings of sadness, anger, and depression. I had a difficult childhood, and I had every right to be angry. But I could have used some guidance in how to process my emotions in a healthier way.  It took years to work through my traumas and learn healthy coping mechanisms. I believe there needs to be more mental health awareness and services provided for children and adults.

This piece was very interesting. It gave an authentic glimpse into mental health for many of us who struggle. I enjoyed the realism, even if it held up a daunting mirror to myself.

First, I liked that we could choose how to respond to Hana. It allowed me to be more conscious when going through the conversations. It made me think what would I want someone to say if I were Hana? It was an easy navigation and I liked that it didn’t take ages to get to the end. I was able to be engaged for the entire duration.

Anytime someone tried to help Hana, it would always have a negative spin once Hana internalized it. This was very powerful because that’s the reality that comes with mental health struggles. No matter how helpful people try to be, sometimes your mind can put you in a place where you’re not ready to receive or accept that, which results in constantly turning things into a negative.

At the end, after her mom got a call from the hospital, her mom said Hana always thinks about herself. I thought this was very poignant in depicting their relationship. Beforehand, Hana and Jen’s conversation alluded to the rifts that were there, but seeing it added new perspective. To me, it revealed that Hana was in fact the victim. If you’re in crisis and someone reacts like that, I can only imagine what Hana endured growing up and struggling mentally.

All in all, this was a sad yet realistic piece. It was hard to read, but overall I really enjoyed it.