About Ashwath Narayan
Ashwath Narayan is a doctor by training. He lives in Bangalore with his rescued Indie dogs.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writiang it, and its content.
Ashwath Narayan: Chronicles the aftermath of childhood trauma, sexual assault, narcissistic abuse from family and the manifestations of complex PTSD such as dissociative episodes and depression.
LiFT: Why did you choose this title?
Ashwath Narayan: In psychology, ‘Maladaptive coping mechanisms’ are unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns used to temporarily relieve stress but ultimately cause more harm, and are quite commonly employed as a defence mechanism after trauma.
LiFT: When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was your inspiration behind it?
Ashwath Narayan: I primarily wrote while I was battling depression, which helped me channel the negative emotions.
LiFT: What message do you want to convey to people through your writing?
Ashwath Narayan: It seeks to banish the stigma associated with mental health conditions and aims to let people know they are not alone in the struggles and validate their feelings.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Ashwath Narayan: I’m involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation, garden, bake and paint.
What activities do you resort to when you face writer’s block?
Ashwath Narayan: Listening to music clears my mind and inspires the creative process.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If so, could you tell us something about it?
Ashwath Narayan: Yes, I am working on a series of poetry books that deal with love, loss and unhealthy relationships.
LiFT: What are your suggestions for budding writers and poets to help them improve their writing skills?
Ashwath Narayan: Write what is true to you.
Click here to order Ashwath Narayan’s Book – Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms
