Media contact: David Bateson - 07 3901 1055 / 0402 332287
MEDIA RELEASE 10th November 2008
Daughter inspired to write book about mother’s struggle with mental illness to help and inspire other sufferers and their families
...and calls for others to contribute their own stories for the book, to be called ‘Inspired’
Her mother’s comment that her life was ‘filled with joy’ was what inspired author Sonya Melbourne to write a book about a lifelong struggle her mother has fought with mental illness. Born with bipolar disorder, Sonya’s mother went on to also develop schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Sonya recalls being bullied by neighbourhood kids for being the ‘zombie’s daughter’ and ‘the psycho’s kid who must be a psycho too’, laughed at, threatened, chased, abused and spat on.
She explains “But the bullying didn’t even come close to the true drama that went on behind closed doors at home. Despite this, it was seeing my mother’s intense suffering and being unable to help her that was the real challenge. It took me many years to accept this. It is watching her grow as a person over the last forty years, and retain her gentle nature despite almost insurmountable odds that has humbled me. Her proactive approach to healing is an inspiration to me and to others. Now aged 60, my mother is one of the happiest people I know. And she is not the only one among us with such wisdom, fearlessness and strength.”
The book will be a collection of true stories exploring the journey of people who achieve their life goals despite dealing with mental illness. It is hoped that by sharing both their pain and their joy, these accounts will help sufferers and their loved ones understand and know that there is a way through and there is hope.
‘Inspired’ has already attracted the support of a number of charities including the Australian Bipolar Schizoaffective Support Network. The book is due for publication in 2009 and currently features a number of true accounts, but Sonya is seeking more.
She explains “We do have a number of life stories already, however we want to feature a broad selection and so we’re appealing to those with stories to share, to come forward. All interviews are strictly confidential and no real names will be used unless requested. Also we will seek final approval of copy by contributors before any material is used for publication. We really think that these inspiring stories not only should, but must be told, to help other sufferers and their families.”
All profits received by the author from book sales will be donated to charities providing support to people diagnosed with these illnesses. SANE Australia and the Australian Bipolar Schizoaffective Network are already earmarked to benefit from sales of ‘Inspired’.
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For more information or to arrange an interview with Sonya Melbourne contact David Bateson on 07 3901 1055 / 0402 332287.
Sonya Melbourne
A current member of the Australian Society of Authors and SCBWI, Sonya is a serious and committed author, who treats writing as a business as well as a passion.
Excerpts
The depression I experienced was so deep and so dark, I would scream out in anguish and pain. I could barely stand it. The mental torment was more agonising to me than any physical injury could ever be...
A current member of the Australian Society of Authors and SCBWI, Sonya is a serious and committed author, who treats writing as a business as well as a passion.
Excerpts
The depression I experienced was so deep and so dark, I would scream out in anguish and pain. I could barely stand it. The mental torment was more agonising to me than any physical injury could ever be...
About
Inspired Recovery will be a compilation of true stories from those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, who have achieved happiness and success in their lives. In short, Inspired is about the triumph of the human spirit.
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Inspired Recovery will be a compilation of true stories from those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, who have achieved happiness and success in their lives. In short, Inspired is about the triumph of the human spirit.
Social
Follow Author on Twitter.
Follow Inspired Recovery on Facebook.
Follow Inspired Recovery on Social Go.
