New Novel Hopes to Change the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

Melissa Gole aims to change the way people view mental. Having lived with depression and anxiety herself, Gole experienced the realness of what it is like to be in that place. She also understands that people are not always supportive, and how hard it can be to get through each day. Wanting to assist people in understanding and recognizing mental illness, Gole penned a novel titled “Blue” (published by Xlibris AU).

“Blue” is the story of a police dog who, at the heart of his practice, aims to save lives and serve the community. At times, he sees things that do not quite fit in with what is in his heart. He goes through hard times and does not have a lot of support. The book is about helping Blue recognize when he needs help or for other people to know how to look out for Blue. It goes through how to access help and healthy lifestyle options, which can help people dealing with sad and scared feelings. It acknowledges that people with mental illness have been strongest the longest because many have lived through a lot and should have their resilience recognized.

Aiming to engage a younger audience, the book is filled with pop artwork, similar to a comic book, and is expressed with a sense of humor and comicalness. Gole also assures that grown-ups will like it as they can learn about depression in a simpler way.

“[I want the readers to know] that people with mental illness are not weak. They have been strongest the longest as many have been through trauma and hard things and we need to be more supportive and let people talk, give them time and space to be sad if they need to and help them get through it,” says Gole.

Readers may visit http://www.bluedoggobook.com/ to purchase and to know more about the book. In addition, the author’s share of proceeds from the book will be donated to Blue Hope — a charity that supports police mental health.

“Blue”
By Melissa Gole
Hardcover | 8.5x8.5 in | 36 pages | ISBN 9781984500564
Softcover | 8.5x8.5 in | 36 pages | ISBN 9781984500113
E-Book | 36 pages | ISBN 9781984500106
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Melissa Gole is a nurse who specializes in aged care and has an interest in practice development. She is also a mother, belly dancer and now author. She grew up as the daughter of Brett and Cheryl Gole who both lived with mental illness – Brett was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age and Cheryl with schizophrenia. Brett was a strong advocate for people living with a mental illness.

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