Young Hackney author turns her mental health battles into ‘guide for others’

A young author from Hackney is set to publish a book about her struggles with mental health that she hopes can “guide others” facing similar circumstances.

Yolanda Lear, 25, is close to finishing The Journey To An Undefeated Mind, and is raising money to help her get it onto shelves next month.

The book contains insights, ideas, and a variety of detailed steps that people can take to help them work through their own issues.

“I tried to write a book that almost anyone can read, understand and enjoy, but also that they can be moved by and relate to,” Lear explains.

“Going through my own battles with mental health, I learned a lot about myself and life. I wanted to share what I had learned, with the hope that it can teach and guide others.”

The author has partnered up with Cool Down Café, run by Hackney Council for Voluntary Services.

The Café, a supportive space for young people facing any kind of mental health difficulty, hosts sessions every Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Pembury Community Centre.

Lear will be running workshops there to teach young people aged between 11 and 18 about mental wellbeing.

Dr Sally Zlotowitz, a clinical psychologist who is part of the Café team, said: “Yolanda’s book is powerful, speaking directly to other young people to support them.

“I am humbled by Yolanda and the other peer mentors who support the Café, as they show kindness and wisdom way beyond their years, and can reach young people in ways mental health professionals cannot.”

With her book in its final stages, Lear has set up a crowdfunder to raise £1,000 to cover the publishing and distribution costs, and at time of writing, is just over halfway to reaching her target.

Lear added: “I also would like to get some copies made for people who can’t afford to buy it, so that they can get it straight from me.”

You can find Yolanda Lear’s crowdfunder here