A psychology student had been inspired to better understand mental health issues as a child – thanks to her father writing adventure books with social themes.

Henna Mears was delighted when dad and author, Ben, started writing the Haunting of Tyler May series when she was just 10 years old.

The stories centre around strong female characters, including the namesake who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Henna, now 19, said: “I liked the fact that Tyler May had OCD tendencies, but it was simply one of her traits and didn’t define her.

“I had previously thought that mental health conditions would take over the whole personality and life of a person.

“But I came to recognise people could still form relationships and live fulfilling lives. I gained many valuable insights and lessons from my dad’s books.”

Henna was then inspired to study psychology at the University of Reading and learn of ways to help treat people.

She said: “The books made me more deeply aware of mental health conditions at an age where I hadn’t been exposed to them before and I think this sparked my interest in the topic.

“It’s interesting to find out why we’re the way we are and lots of the learning involves unpacking stigma around mental health and its treatments.”

OCD in the pandemic

The series is pertinent as the number of people seeking help for OCD has risen sharply since the coronavirus outbreak, charity OCD Action has reported.

OCD involves ‘intensely negative, repetitive and intrusive thoughts’ (obsessions) and a repeat action (compulsion) may be used to stop the thought or quieten the anxiety.

But OCD Action has found misconceptions and stigma persist, which can lead to a delay between the onset of OCD and treatment being received.

Henna said: “I think there are definitely stigmas and misunderstandings around OCD and other conditions, though more people are currently experiencing mental health issues.

“I believe reading about other people’s experiences, be it real or accurately portrayed fiction, can help create greater awareness and empathy.”

Self-acceptance, tolerance and empowerment

The Tyler May series also include a goth character and look at themes of tolerance of others and self-acceptance.

There have been a number of high-profile attacks on goths across the country and police now classify them as hate crimes – in the same way as abuse based on religion, race, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Henna said: “I think there were elements of my personality in each of the characters, particularly the goth. It helped me to realise that it’s OK to be different – and I became more accepting of others too.

“Teenagers often want to fit-in, but no one quite fits the mould they think they should. After reading the books, I felt prouder of who I was and wanted to experiment more as a goth.

“It was also inspiring to read stories where the main characters were female, doing incredible things. They also accepted each other’s differences and worked together.”

Henna got involved in the writing process, including talking about what would happen next, and it strengthened her relationship with her father.

She said: “It was a fun adventure and it made me feel special as it was written for me.”

Social injustice

BJ Mears, who is also inspired by his two younger daughters, has received a book deal for A Banyard and Mingle Mystery fantasy series, which tackles issues such as social injustice.

Henna said: “These books raise a lot of social issues, such as how people may be treated differently or unjustly because they are not accepted by society.

“There are underlying morals, but it’s also a gripping read with a fantastic storyline. They are real page-turners and leave you feeling uplifted.”