By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Children’s author Christine Stammers will release her first picture book that helps kids understand mental health illnesses.
A NEW book which helps children understand the complexities of mental illness will be launched by Warwick resident Christine Stammers this Friday, 21 June.
Following years of alcohol abuse as well as being diagnosed with a mental illness, Ms Stammers decided it was time to make a change.
She sought help for her addiction and after many years of rehabilitation she has resurfaced on the other side with a determination to enable others.
“It wasn’t until I was admitted to the Toowoomba Mental Health Unit that I began to realise the problems I was facing,” she said.
“Alcohol abuse was a big part of my life and I think a lot of it stemmed from the abuse I experienced as a child.”
Ms Stammers said living with an undiagnosed mental illness took a huge toll on her children and forced her to face her demons in order to begin the recovery process.
“Understanding mental illness and addiction can be a struggle for parents and confusing for children,” she said.
“This was something I experienced while raising my kids and something I think is often overlooked by parents.
“We need to be able to teach our children positive ways to cope with stress and not resorting to substance abuse and teaching kid’s resilience – cause by doing that we can begin to address growing numbers of children abusing alcohol and drugs.”
The children’s book will be launched at Gardens Galore, 21 Albion St, at 7pm.
Places are limited and guest are asked to RSVP to Donna Page on 0402 659 043.
