Author Turns Pain Into Poetry and Healing

Bernadette Francisco, author of “Real-Life Stories: A Path to Healing”, describes her book as a deeply personal reflection, a kind of journal that captures her lived experiences and emotional journey. Encouraged by her therapist to document her thoughts, the book became a form of therapy to navigate her healing journey while living with anxiety and depression. Poetry, she says, became her safe space, a way to express what words sometimes could not. Coupled with prayer, writing offered a path forward. Aware that mental health remains a taboo topic for many, Bernadette hopes her openness will resonate with others who may be suffering in silence. Through her book, she seeks to spark conversations and offer hope to those quietly carrying emotional pain.

 

Bernadette Francisco, Author

“It was only an outlet for me to share what I was thinking what were my thoughts and then in therapy, my doctor, Dr. Rosado mentioned to me you know I really enjoy reading your poems I think  that you should publish these because there are a lot of people that are going through similar experiences, experiences that are worse than mine and it can be form of inspiration to them”

 

Tanya Arceo

“The book is deeply rooted in themes of anxiety, depression, and healing how did writing become a tool for your personal transformation?”

 

Bernadette Francisco

“I always enjoyed writing poems from when I was a little girl I’ve been writing so whenever I would feel depressed or down I would, or whenever I am overthinking, its something similar to journaling but I turn them into poetry”

 

Tanya Arceo

“You mention stepping out of your comfort zone what was the biggest challenge in opening up so vulnerably through your poetry?”

 

Bernadette Francisco

“You know sometimes we look at the stigma surrounding anxiety, the stigma surrounding depression, mental health and of course some of these stories are personal and my thoughts were like how would I be viewed right? Knowing that you suffered through all these things but then I said these are my stories these are what happened to me I am not ashamed of them they have helped shape me to the person that I am, they are helping me grow so I said if writing them could help inspire other people so why not do it I currently have most of the books but we have them now at Dakers Stationary and they will also be available at book store in Belmopan, the book is for thirty dollars each and I am also finalizing having them on Amazon which should be finalized before the ending of this month”