Secrets Keep You Sick

Media Release

19 May 2011

Secrets Keep You Sick – Opening Up Is What Mike King’s Book Is All About

A new book, released tomorrow, helps shine a light on mental illness by detailing the experiences of some high profile and also not so well known New Zealanders.

One such person is mental health consumer and ex-dominatrix Susie Crooks who says the new self-help book The Nutters Club: Helping nutters from the inside out demystifies what people with experience of mental illness go through and highlights that they do recover.

The Nutters Club book is essentially a collection of 11 stories as told to comedian Mike King and Auckland psychiatrist David Codyre from The Nutters Club – a regular Sunday night show on Radio Live that also screens on Maori Television.

The stories are edited transcripts of the shows and moves back and forth from interviewee to Mike and David as questions arise. It proves to be an effective way to meld and make meaning of all these expert points of view - and it doesn’t shy away from exploring those uncomfortable questions about the pros and cons of medication, hospital care and diagnostic labels.

Susie, who is also a mental health peer support network spokesperson, was happy to take part in the book because she believes people’s stories give a human face to mental distress.

“You have to use examples and language that resonate with people. That’s what Mike’s book has done,” she says.

Well-known Kiwis who join Susie in speaking out are Split Enz bass player Mike Chunn, top fashion designer Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, comedian couple Chris Brain and Irene Pink, actress Nicola Kawana, Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee and King himself. Equally interesting and inspirational stories come from less known individuals: Brenda Cheyne, Gary Cody, Dean Kini, Ivan Yeo and Rhys Green.

The Mental Health Foundation has a long-standing association with The Nutters Club and is praising the release of King’s book.

“These compelling and heart-warming stories are another way to reach a wider audience and provide a greater understanding of mental health problems. It is important we use every channel and opportunity to do this,” says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive. “People will respond to this book because the stories are fascinating and true accounts of others’ experiences, conveyed with passion and humanity.”

Ms Clements says the Foundation recognises and applauds the bravery of those who tell their very personal stories in this valuable book.

ENDS

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