Ms Hodges says her memoir, Girl Over the Edge, will answer some questions that people rarely have the answers to.

She’ll be sharing what happens in public and private mental health facilities, what an episode of severe depression feels like and what’s considered to be “losing your mind”.

Statistics show one in five Australians suffered mental health issues.

“It’s a real health issue,” she said.

“Particularly men living in rural communities are susceptible to higher levels of mental illness due to isolation and difficulty in accessing services.

“If you break your leg you get it fixed, if you have diabetes you watch your diet and take medication. If you suffer from mental illness you need to access treatment from health professionals.”

Ms Hodges said she came to realise that people who experience mental illness were “everyday people” while she was writing.

“I am a mother, had worked at a university and am now an author but I was debilitated by mental illness to the point of being unable to function,” she said.

“It is a myth that all people with mental illness are homeless, alcoholics or drug addicts and a risk in society.

“Although rates of homelessness and addictions are higher for those experiencing mental illness these are not defining factors.”

Ms Hodges’ visit is part of a series of talks organised by the Cootamundra Library covering mental health, resilience and recovery. 

Her talk begins from 2pm on Thursday, July 26.