The Emotional Power of Literature and Stories

In a world of constant notifications and competing demands on our attention, many of us feel too busy to read. Yet books and stories offer something increasingly rare – a quiet, immersive space where we can reflect, feel and make sense of our experiences.In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David is joined by Dr Charley Baker, Associate Professor of mental health at the University of Nottingham, to explore how literature helps us understand psychological distress, identity and experiences that do not fit neatly into clinical language.They discuss reading as an active process that can restore energy, broaden perspective and deepen empathy. Stories allow us to encounter complex emotions, stigma and trauma from the inside, in a space that feels safer and more intimate than other media.The conversation explores how literature can help us find language for difficult experiences, challenge preconceptions and strengthen connection – with others and ourselves. They reflect on the role of fiction in clinical understanding, the value of poetry and shorter forms when concentration is low, and how sharing books can become an act of care that strengthens relationships.Rather than presenting reading as something we should do, this episode invites a gentler approach – noticing what draws us in, allowing ourselves to stop when a book does not connect, and recognising that stories can meet different needs at different times.This is a grounded conversation about how literature can support understanding, connection and emotional wellbeing.Key moments00:57 Why reading offers a different kind of space in a fast-paced world02:18 Charley’s journey into literature, mental health and the health humanities04:18 How stories build empathy and broaden perspective06:03 Immersion, representation and feeling understood through fiction10:58 Literature and understanding self-harm15:11 Finding language for trauma and complex experiences17:19 Choice Pause – opening space for creativity and curiosity19:57 Reading as nourishment and active recharge23:32 Sharing books as connection and enacted kindness31:07 Listening to our needs and finding our own relationship with reading33:48 Audiobooks and new ways of accessing stories39:44 Permission to stop reading what doesn’t connect About the guestDr Charley Baker is an associate professor of mental health at the University of Nottingham. Her work explores literature, mental health and the health humanities, focusing on how stories support understanding of distress and lived experience. Her clinical interests include domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, self-harm, suicide and OCD, and how narrative approaches can support people experiencing distress.Instagram: @CharleyBakerTheBookPusherAbout the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn.  You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here:  https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david