One Highlander is helping break down stigmas associated with mental health by sharing her own experiences with The Mental Health Living Library.
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Kellie Mant is one of many who is presenting a living book with her own experiences in a virtual event on October 29.
"It made me really passionate in my own work because I realised how hard it was for me to advocate," she said.
The support worker's story Lion Heart is one of eleven that will be shared.
Mrs Mant also explained that the mental health struggles from someone close to her made her advocate harder for the mental wellbeing of loved ones and others.
She also addresses what she has done to support her own mental health.
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"Another chapter talks about how I become more fierce in my own work places, advocating to bosses and families," she continued.
"Basically, I say I turned from a lioness into a lion.
"The hope of course is that myself and all the other speakers will boost awareness of mental health and recovery, something that could change many lives.
"We hope we can hit home, and it's those connections people have with other people that are really going to help them."
This is the first time the living library has been done online.
The support worker said students and peer workers will be telling their stories.
She is also using her experience in the support sector to help others develop their own living books, such as the stories of an Aboriginal woman.
It is a collaboration between TAFE NSW mental health students from across southern NSW, Flourish Australia and The New Outlook and Kind Art Ed.
Participants will read their living books from 1pm to 4pm.
She explained that some of the books have appeared in the library before but "might appear differently this time because they're further down the journey to recovery."
"It's about being person-centred and allowing that person to drive their own book," she continued.
Highlanders can register for the free event and have a look at the living books here.
Do you need someone to talk to? You can reach out:
- Community Links - www.communitylinks.org.au
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- SANE helpline - 1800 18 7263
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 059 467
- Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
- eheadspace - 1800 650 890
- Family Relationship Advice Line - 1800 050 321
- Mensline - 1300 78 99 78
- 1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
- QLife - 1800 184 527
- Beyond Blue's national helplines and websites page - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites
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