Powys author publishes mental health self-help book
Taliesin Larmour-Jones, a mental health first aider in the NHS, published his debut book, "The Exchange Rate of Happiness," on June 1.
The book offers practical advice on improving mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on resilience, reflection, new routines, and finding life's purpose.
The author draws from his own experiences with mental health challenges, sharing methods he has personally found useful.
Mr Larmour-Jones, who is studying for a master's degree in psychology, said: "Mental health is even more important now than ever, post-pandemic the rates of depression, anxiety and other conditions have increased and with waiting times for support ever increasing it has never been more important than now to take the power into your own hands and do what you can for yourself.
"Working within the NHS throughout the pandemic has shown me just how much patients and staff alike have struggled and continue to do so now.
"A book isn't going to change you or 'fix' poor mental health, the truth is a lot of conditions can be managed but remission is not guaranteed.
"What we can do is learn to have better coping mechanisms and to change things that are not working for us, repeating the same destructive behaviour doesn't change anything.
"Action is the driver to change."
Fiona Lintern, a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University, reviewed the book, describing it as "thought-provoking."
She also provided feedback and guidance on the book's content.
The book's release comes at a time when mental health issues are on the rise, with increased rates of depression and anxiety reported post-pandemic.
Mr Larmour-Jones hopes his book will offer readers a starting point to begin improving their lives.
Ten per cent of the book's profits will be donated to four mental health charities: Shout!, YoungMinds, Mind, and Shropshire MHS.
These donations will be rotated every three months to allow for larger lump sum donations.
"The Exchange Rate of Happiness" is available on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and audiobook formats.
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