‘Read a bloody book’ and boost your mental health

By sharing the ups and downs of their own mental health recovery journey, veterans like Dylan can play a huge role in inspiring others to change their lives for the better.    

The founder of Brothers and Books, knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom and has a simple message for veterans and first responders: ‘Read a bloody book and kick start the next chapter of your life.’

The former Army Infantry Platoon Commander started the not-for-profit organisation 5 years ago to encourage others to benefit from reading – just like he did.  

‘I want to spread the word about the benefits of bibliotherapy to alleviate stress and improve mental health amongst fellow veterans and the wider community,’ he explained.

Dylan understands only too well what it’s like to feel helpless and, at times, hopeless.  

‘After 9 surgeries on my lower back in 2 years, I was feeling really, really low.’ he said.  

‘I had gone from being physically fit, super keen on my job and progressing in my career. I couldn’t walk for around 2 years and during that time I lost a lot of purpose that I would normally get from my team, my roles and my physical fitness routine within the Army.’ 

Never much of a reader, Dylan’s ‘silver lining’ came in the form of a book delivered by an old Army officer mentor.   

‘It was Yes to Life in Spite of Everything by Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, which gave me a critical means of escape, connection and motivation,’ he said.  

‘I remember thinking to myself, wow, for the past few hours I’ve been relieved from the torment of disease, injuries and being stuck inside my own body. This is something I can do that's going to benefit me. And from there, I just committed to reading more and more books.’      

Over the past 5 years, Brothers and Books has donated more than 9,100 books to set up around 60 free community libraries in military units, veteran community hubs, RSL Sub Branches, first responder headquarters, homeless shelters, domestic violence centres and private businesses. 

To find out more about Brothers and Books, visit  https://abf.org.au/

For ideas on ways you can improve your wellbeing, head to the Living Well part of our website.

For free, military-aware mental health support for veterans and their immediate families, contact us day or night.