Daisy taught me the most valuable lesson on the importance of individuality. Sadly, Daisy suffered from depression and at the age of 26 she took her own life. Daisy taught me a life lesson and in her memory I hope to pass this
lesson on through a children's book.
The boook aims to inspire young and old, to start a conversation about mental illness in our communities and to donate all proceeds to
beyondblue Hope. Recovery. Resilience.
Most people know someone who has been affected by a mental illness. Be it anxiety, depression, eating or psychotic disorders, the issues are many and are
far reaching in our communities:
- 45% of Australians aged 16–85 will experience a common mental health-related condition in their lifetime.
- 75% of mental health problems emerge before the age of 25.
- Up to 50% of substance use problems are preceded by mental health issues in young people.
- High suicide rates in early to mid-adulthood are related to untreated mental health problems in the late teenage and early adult years.
- Australia spends at least $28.6 billion per year, excluding capital expenditure, supporting people with mental illness.
- Currently only one in four young people experiencing mental health problems receives professional help.
Often attached to much stigma, discrimination and isolation, mental health issues need more acceptance and understanding. Any individual suffering from mental illness needs
support, as do their friends and family. For young people, anxiety disorders and depression are common and it is important for these problems to be identified and help given early on.
By supporting this campaign and sharing the story of ‘Crazy Daisy’, you are playing an important part in raising awareness of mental illness in Australia.
