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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 to 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 supports mental health, emotional wellbeing and empathy. They discuss reading as an active process that can restore energy, broaden perspective and deepen understanding. Stories allow us to encounter complex emotions, stigma and trauma from the inside, in a space that often 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. A grounded conversation about how literature can support understanding, connection and emotional wellbeing. In this episode You’ll hear how reading can support mental health, why stories deepen empathy and how literature helps us find language for difficult experiences. We also explore the role of fiction in clinical understanding, the value of poetry when concentration is low and why sharing books can strengthen relationships. Timestamps 00:57 Why reading offers a different kind of space in a fast-paced world 02:18 Charley’s journey into literature and mental health 04:18 How stories build empathy and broaden perspective 06:03 Feeling understood through fiction 10:58 Literature and understanding self-harm 15:11 Finding language for trauma and complex experiences 17:19 Choice Pause – opening space for creativity and curiosity 19:57 Reading as nourishment and active recharge 23:32 Sharing books as connection and care 31:07 Finding your own relationship with reading 33:48 Audiobooks and new ways of accessing stories 39:44 Permission to stop reading what doesn’t connect About the host Dr 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 (www.thechoicespace.co.uk) and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david) and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david About the guest Dr 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. Instagram: @CharleyBakerTheBookPusher