Profiles in Hope

Fifteen Australians tell their stories of surviving suicide and finding the way back to a better life.

Every day, nine Australians take their own lives. Nineteen years ago, John Brogden came very close to adding his name to these statistics. But John survived and, since his recovery, he has become a passionate voice for mental health and suicide prevention. Now he is the Honorary President of LifeLine International.

Personally and professionally, John knows how urgent it is to talk openly about suicide, and to provide people in despair with a way back when they are at their lowest point. Giving hope to those who think there is no other answer is critical. John is living proof that it’s possible to survive and thrive.

Now, in Profiles in Hope, John has gathered together some incredible Australians to tell their stories. With contributions from people such as James Packer, Jacqui Lambie, Tom Boyd, Layne Beachley, Preston Campbell and Ian Thorpe, alongside powerful stories of ordinary Aussies, these deeply personal accounts of survival, recovery and lives of purpose are a balm for the vulnerable and a beacon of light to those struggling. This book is for those at risk and for the people who love them and don’t know how to help.

Searingly honest and ultimately life-affirming, these are stories of solace and hope, and a lifeline for dark times.

All royalties earned from the sale of this book will go to Lifeline.

’Surprisingly hopeful’ WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN

John Brogden is an Australian businessman, former politician, former Chair of Lifeline Australia and the Honorary President of LifeLine International.

John’s career in politics started when he became a member of the Parliament of New South Wales in 1996. In 2002, he was elected Leader of the Opposition on his 33rd birthday - the youngest person ever to lead a major political party in Australia.

A global leader in suicide prevention and crisis helplines, John’s passion for mental illness recovery stems from his own suicide attempt which marked a turning point in his life and reframed the public discourse around depression and suicide.