DELVING into crystal methamphetamine addiction and the effects on families in the community, Headspace Mount Gambier’s new book Operation Defrost is raw, honest and emotional.
Written by two local young people on their loved ones’ experiences with ice addiction, the book – which was launched earlier this week – exposes the truths behind drugs and the strength within the youth of today who see first-hand how harmful the substances can be.
Gaining funding through the Heywire program to undertake Operation Defrost, staff at the local Headspace have spent the past year and a half guiding the young people through the process.
“We launched into this project knowing we needed more of an insight into the experiences of young people and their families around substance and ice use,” centre manager Tasja Barelds said.
“It is of course a huge topic of interest in Mount Gambier and we understand there is a deep sense of shame, anxiety and other related mental health issues that can be associated with substance use in the family.
“It has been an amazing journey to watch the staff work with the young people coming and going into the program.”
Undertaking creative exercises in writing and art, the young people produced a selection of poems, artwork and stories which can now be found in the recently launched book.
“We and the authors are very proud of this book, it’s an amazing contribution and an amazing product to reflect deep and meaningful stories,” Ms Barelds said.
Bravely stepping forward and taking part in the project, co-author Tishelle Olle said her main goal was to provide hope for others who may be in a similar situation.
“I’m not going to stand here and say how ice use needs to stop because although it does, we cannot make it happen,” she said at the book launch on Tuesday.
“What we can do will help young people who have been affected by ice use to speak out and find hope within themselves.
“Many youth out there feel like they cannot talk about it, I felt like that before this program.
“But after taking part and gaining support, that changed and I had the opportunity to help others out there like me.”
Breaking down barriers and learning to open up about her experiences, Tishelle said she could not have done it without the support of the Headspace team.
“I’m not going to lie, writing it was not easy, I wrote about stuff I have trouble talking about, but if this book can help even one person then it is worth it,” she said.
“When you do not talk about it you keep it all bottled inside and now by sharing my story with others I know that I’m not alone.
“People in these situations need hope, it is hard to get and extremely easy to lose.
“I hope this book will help them not be afraid to let it back in.”
Congratulating Headspace Mount Gambier and the two authors for their commitment to the project and willingness to speak out, Mount Gambier police officer Sergeant Andy Stott said Operation Defrost was a great way to help deal with the ice issue in the community.
“Like many communities in regional Australia, we are experiencing some significant issues with drugs of all kinds in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“Every day as police we experience frustration in regards to drug use in the family environment and the impact that has not only on the family, but the community at large.
“It is essential families and young people in particular have support and the ability to ask questions and express feelings in these situations.
“Operation Defrost has given young people the opportunity to come together and share their experiences in a supportive environment and I congratulate the authors and team for what they have achieved thus far in our community.”
The book will now be distributed to every Headspace centre across Australia and used as a resource to help others throughout the country and is available from the Mount Gambier Library for loan.
