Brian A. Plank Shares His Journey of Resilience and Storytelling
PHOTO: Brian A. Plank, Canadian author and mental health advocate, photographed in a moment of thought and quiet resilience.
Exploring Life, Mental Health, And The Power Of Fiction
Canadian author and mental health advocate Brian A. Plank discusses his battle with schizophrenia, the challenges of storytelling, and how his novel addresses the stigma around mental illnesses.
Brian A. Plank, a Canadian author and mental health advocate, has built a life rich with resilience, introspection, and an unfaltering mission to help others understand the complexities of the human condition. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Plank’s journey into storytelling started early, driven by a need to navigate both the external world and the vast inner landscapes of the mind. His career in engineering provided structure and discipline, but his battle with mental illness offered new, life-altering perspectives that shaped him into the writer and advocate he is today.
In his novel The King Who Would Be Man, Plank delves deeply into the sensitive and often misunderstood world of mental health. Using fiction as his medium, he sheds light on truths that resonate as both personal and universal. The book’s unnamed narrator serves as a vessel for exploring the emotional complexities of living with mental illness, challenging societal perceptions, and addressing the alienation experienced by those who don’t conform to traditional definitions of “normal.” Through raw and empathetic prose, Plank seeks to dismantle stigmas and invites readers to embrace the richness of human diversity.
Brian A. Plank employs raw honesty and vulnerability to tackle complex mental health issues, creating a transformative and inspiring narrative.
Engineering plays a unique role in shaping Plank’s writing style. As he explains, his technical background equipped him with critical thinking skills, the precision to untangle complex problems, and openness to new perspectives. “Even if the solution to a problem is not obvious or popular, it should proceed until we find an equal or better conclusion,” he reflects, revealing how his methodical approach has informed his storytelling.
Plank’s deeply personal connection to mental health advocacy stems from his own struggle with schizophrenia, diagnosed in his early thirties. He describes the onset of his symptoms and the isolation that followed, as many friends and colleagues turned away from him. This experience fueled his drive to educate others about mental illness and its devastating effects. “I have made it a mission in my life to educate how devastating a serious mental illness can be,” Plank explains. His book represents that mission and demonstrates his commitment to being a voice for those unable to share their own truths.
Exploring such an intimate and challenging subject required immense vulnerability. Plank reveals that the initial stages were particularly difficult, as his emotional health had been eroded by years of bullying and gaslighting in a toxic workplace. Struggling to rebuild his self-esteem after leaving his engineering career, Plank turned to writing as a therapeutic outlet. His first published work, an article titled Another Perfect Day, recounted his experiences of bullying and resonates with readers facing similar challenges. Its success inspired him to use storytelling as a means to advocate for mental health awareness and provide hope to others experiencing similar struggles.
Through The King Who Would Be Man, Plank hopes readers will develop a deeper sense of empathy for people whose experiences fall outside societal norms. “My hope is that readers will take a moment to reflect on people who may seem different and see that those of us who are outside what are considered to be ‘normal’ constructs are still valid and equal members of society,” he states.
Personal experience lies at the core of Plank’s work. His portrayal of mental illness draws from his own journey, the stories of those with similar struggles, and extensive research. “While all disabilities are unique to the person in question,” Plank explains, “my portrayal was based on personal experience, the experiences of others who, like me, are a little more sensitive, and articles posted on the Internet.”
Plank believes that raising awareness and fostering understanding are crucial steps in reducing the stigma around mental health challenges. “The struggle to overcome the stigma of having any disability is an ongoing challenge,” he notes, emphasizing the heightened difficulties faced by individuals with invisible illnesses. Through his transparent storytelling, Plank aims to break down these barriers while providing readers with an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.
Balancing dark themes with an engaging story was a challenge Plank met with a raw and honest approach. The narrative explores a range of deeply human issues, designed not only to tell a story but also to provoke introspection. “My style is to be raw and blunt when dealing with a sensitive issue,” he explains, urging readers to look beyond the surface and engage with the true essence of humanity.
To fellow authors looking to tackle difficult topics, Plank offers this advice: “Prepare yourself to be vulnerable to both you and your readers. Readers need honesty and transparency, especially when dealing with sensitive material.” He emphasizes the power of storytelling to educate, connect, and inspire, encouraging authors to be open to feedback and to embrace their dual roles as both teachers and perpetual learners.
Plank’s The King Who Would Be Man is more than a narrative about mental illness. It’s a multifaceted exploration of the human condition and a profound call to action for empathy, understanding, and change. Through his work, Brian A. Plank continues to inspire others to look inward, challenge societal perceptions, and embrace the complexities of life.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
