Karen’s new ebook explores points like alcoholism, self-harm and infidelity to assist others deal with trauma by way of artwork and writing

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Karen Trueman’s self-published book You Made It This Far: Mind, Body and Soul is out in stores and helping other people.

In January 2018, Karen lost her sister Claire to cerebral vasculitis; a brain disorder that causes healthy blood vessels to be attacked, causing them to become swollen and narrowed and impairing blood flow. Claire was just 37.

In 2021, the Echo published a story about Karen starting her business, Heart Art, as well as workshops for anyone interested in using art to support their own mental health.

Based on her own experiences, Karen Trueman has published a book that she hopes will help others overcome trauma.

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At the height of her grief, Karen began developing her heart-themed artwork as she and Claire had matching heart tattoos.

In addition to bereavement, Karen, 43, has had direct and indirect experiences of other traumas that formed the backdrop for the book. Along with her detailed illustrations, she has also added her lyrics.

Karen from Fatfield said: “I’ve used artwork to deal with grief. Then I started writing little poems and little things about trauma.

You Made It This Far: Mind, Body and Soul combines art with poetry and prose.

“So I wrote and published my first book, poetry and prose illustrated by the heart artwork. It is a message to spread love and help other people.

“It’s about life events that people might not talk about: alcoholism, coming of age, self-harm, infidelity, lying, cheating. There’s loads of stuff.

“The whole point of the book is the trauma and its effects, which is the body, and the result of it, which is the soul. It is intended to encourage people to write about their problems as well. It can help mental health.

“People who read it and burst into tears but it has helped them and their families because it’s the first time they can relate to this stuff without talking about it.”

Based on her own experiences, Karen Trueman has published a book that she hopes will help others overcome trauma.