WOOHOO! I’m celebrating! I’m finalist for the 2012 Mental Health Week achievement awards.
I’m so proud I’ve triumphed over mental illness, writing and sharing my recovery memoir, ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness.
I’m honoured Queensland Alliance of Mental health and Open Minds “recognized my devotion to improving the understanding and awareness of mental health in the Queensland community.” These awards are for individuals, consumers, workforce and organizations.
This year’s theme is “Strength through Community.”
Two weeks ago Suzanne Desailly of Open Minds rang me with the exciting news that judges chose me as one of three finalists in the individual category.
I’ve been bursting to tell You ever since!
Today I attended the Achievement Awards luncheon at Novotel Brisbane with my two special guests, my husband Steve and my referee Anila Fredericks, Telstra manager who supports my workplace Resilience Training workshops.
Logan Mayor Pam Parker supported me as my second referee, launching my recovery memoir ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness in May this year. Pam Parker supports my mental health work in the Logan community presenting the Life Writing program to Logan hospital psyche patients and at Logan Women’s Health and Well-being Centre.
Karen Tyrrell : Finalist individual category
The presenters announced my achievements over the microphone as my name appeared on a gigantic overhead screen. When I walked up to the stage to receive my award, I was overcome with emotion and tears … I had come so far on my journey!
DRUM ROLL …And the winners are…
Consumer/Carer Award Winner …Mental Health Family & Carer Connections Initiative.
Individual Winner … Mary Wood … the founder of ‘Tie up the Black Dog Committee’
Workforce Winner… Queensland Rail
Organization Winner & Earle Duss Award Winner … Benowa State High School peer support leader program
Winners of the Mental Health achievement awards
Congratulations to ALL the winners and finalists.
I’m ecstatic I was finalist, the ONLY author who reached final position.
These awards bring mental health to the foreground, helping to break down the stigma of mental illness.
I’m blessed to be able to support others on their recovery journey with my thought provoking book ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness as a mental health advocate, author and speaker spreading the news of HOPE to the Queensland and global communities.
A Hearty Congratulations, Karen! Well deserved and earned. You certainly did provide strength and courage for mental health through your tireless work in your community and through your wonderful writings! 🙂
Thanks so much Art for supporting me so long. Today I absolutely enjoyed this fabulous celebration. When I walked up to the stage, I was overcome with emotion crying tears of joy! … Karen 🙂
Congratulations, Karen. You deserved it. You’re a very brave woman and you rock!!
LOL! Thanks so much Trish, my dear friend. Love the way we support each other… Karen xx
Congratulations Karen. This is very well deserved for your courage in sharing your journey with us all.
Thanks Ani for leaving your comment here to show your support for me and mental health. .. Karen 🙂
Please accept my heartiest congratulations, Karen. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” I wanted you to know how proud and happy I was to hear about your achievement, and to congratulate you on your talent, hard work, success and your outstanding contributions to the community. Congratulations on this most appropriate and well-warranted one.
Thanks so much Merlyn for your very kind words here. Lovely meeting you at my Life Writing session at Logan Women’s Health and Wellbeing Centre on Thursday. Thanks for supporting & buying ME & HER: a Memoir Of Madness … Karen 🙂
Great news, Karen. Congrats!
Hi Joanna,
Thanks so much for supporting me for so long! … Karen 🙂
What an achievement. Congratulations Karen!
Thanks so much Kathy for your kind words of support. I’m thrilled my mental health message of Recovery will be spread further .. Karen 🙂
Hi Karen,
I’ve just read your news and I’m crying tears of happiness on your behalf!
It matters not that you didn’t win overall. You are already a WINNER, having achieved so much. Onwards and upwards!
Blessings,
Jan x
Thanks so much for your awesome friendship and support. You’ve traveled on this publishing journey alongside me, cheering me on. Hugs xx
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