A book of stories about Irish people suffering from depression, anxiety and tough times will be launched tomorrow, with all proceeds going to AWARE.
The book, by Cork man Gary Hanrahan, is an eBook compilation of stories received from people all over Ireland detailing their experiences of depression, anxiety and tough times. Following a 12-month online campaign, the Stories of Hope eBook will be launched tomorrow, January 16.
Stories of Hope is a compilation of anonymous stories detailing different people’s experiences with depression and tough times. Inspiration from the eBook came from two of Gary’s friends who have previously shared their experiences with depression and was put together in the hope of inspiring others to tell their tales and to help alleviate the stigma attached to depression.
The aim of this eBook is to give support to anyone going through their own difficulties and to demonstrate how common these challenges can be, that there is hope out there to overcome tough times. All proceeds from the eBook will be donated to AWARE.
During the past 12 months the SOH team have communicated with people and communities all over Ireland to raise awareness of depression and the necessity of creating conversation around it.
The campaign has introduced the team to many personalities, a number of whom have come on board as Ambassadors for Stories of Hope, including Cross Country Champion Mark Hanrahan and Irish International Running Champion Laura Crowe.
“It’s been a fantastic year for us. Over the past 12 months we have seen the project grow from an idea into a reality, and we have been so fortunate to share in a range of stories and experiences,” says Douglas native Gary Hanrahan, founder of Stories of Hope.
“This eBook has come together with the support of contributors, sponsors, Ambassadors. We have received tremendous support form AWARE in promoting the project to date, and I’m excited to see where it goes. We are confident that we can raise some significant funds for AWARE and hopefully contribute to their voluntary efforts.”
Stories of Hope is comprised of a range of stories, all unique and anonymous in experience, detailing difficult times, incidents of anxiety and depression, and just how people have managed to overcome these difficulties.
The eBook goes on sale at €5.00 and will be available for download from Amazon, with all proceeds donated to AWARE.
For more information on issues of depression and mental health and how they can be treated, visit the Aware website.
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