The Healing Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Narrative to Navigate Illness, Trauma, and Loss

Abstract

Dr Annie Brewster begins this beautifully raw and authentic read by sharing her vulnerabilities and struggles throughout her professional training to become a physician. She builds suspense and engages readers through her emotional shock when persistent personal symptoms lead to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In this emotionally charged narrative, Dr Brewster quickly connects with readers and shows them the benefits of sharing one's story, challenges, and experiences in a push to take ownership, develop agency, and build a sense of self and community with others.

Narrative of the Disaster

“…Discovering meaning is only possible through a retrospective approach in reflecting on past events and not while the experience is actively unfolding. Storytelling is a powerful form of resilience training and helps to practice cognitive and emotional flexibility (Brewster and Zimmerman, 2022).…”