Lyra

<p>In the touristy city of Hot Springs Arkansas a woman named Lyra lives a rather modest life with the incurable mental disorder schizophrenia. Clever curious and determined she is constantly challenged by her desire to find some semblance of normalcy-whatever that means-alongside her depression anxiety critical self-talk and frequent auditory hallucinations. </p><p><br></p><p><em>Lyra</em> is a work of literary fiction that represents a fraction of the very-real culture around and challenges of living in an area where mental health is downplayed or misunderstood and mental health services are typically underfunded and catered to the religious communities. While it is a story of panic attacks break downs and grief it is also a story of persistence resilience and hope. </p><p><br></p><p>Please be aware that this work includes references to and discussions around depression anxiety suicide ideation hallucinations and panic attacks. If you are currently experiencing or sensitive to any of these mental health challenges this work may be triggering for you so please proceed with caution and self-compassion. This novella also includes an index of suicide prevention resources to better connect and support any readers in need of help. </p>