In 2005, John Brogden attended a function where alcohol flowed freely. He later moved on to the Marble Bar in Sydney’s Hilton Hotel. There, he uttered an offensive remark about the wife of Bob Carr, a former State premier, pinched a journalist on the bottom and propositioned another.
He apologised when his misbehaviour became public, resigned as leader of the Liberals in the New South Wales parliament, and attempted suicide. He was depressed, ashamed and sorry.
Slowly, Brogden recovered, reassessed his life’s priorities and became a passionate voice for suicide prevention. In 2009, he joined the board of Lifeline and served as chairman from 2011 to 2021. He was named a member of the Order of Australia in 2014 for significant service to the community and social welfare.
Fifteen Australians who had attempted suicide were interviewed by Brogden. A few of the interviewees are well-known; others are known only to their families, friends and colleagues. All are united in believing that by sharing their experiences, they may help others to stay alive.
The 15 courageously explain the problems they had, the deep feelings of despair, and the one thought that would not go away: suicide was the only option. They also tell their stories of recovery and how they’ve changed their lives for the better.
Royalties earned from the sale of the book are going to Lifeline.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As one of Australia’s leading politicians and now a business leader, John Brogden is living proof that even from the darkest places, there can be a way back. Whilst John has reached the highest levels in his professional career, his personal journey is one of highs and lows, strength and courage.
John’s career in politics started when he became a Member for Pittwater in the NSW Parliament in 1996. In 2002, he was elected Leader of the Opposition on his 33rd birthday – the youngest person ever to lead a major political party at Federal or State level in Australia.
However, it’s John’s personal story that best illustrates his resilience and his incredible ability to come back from the lowest of lows. His willingness to share the details of his journey to recovery make him a compelling and inspirational storyteller.
John was diagnosed with depression in early 2006 following a suicide attempt in 2005. His passion for mental illness stems from a breakdown that marked a turning point in his life and reframed the discussion around depression, particularly in the corporate world. Thanks to his profile, John has changed the way we talk about suicide and in turn, is helping thousands of individuals through his involvement with Lifeline Australia as Chairman.
John is also the Chairman of Furlough House Retirement Village and Patron of Sailability Pittwater, Bilgola Surf Lifesaving Club, Avalon Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Kookaburra Kids. He was appointed to the Board of Landcom as Chairman in January 2012 and became Chief Executive Officer in May 2018. From 2015 to 2017, John was the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Prior to this, he was Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Council from 2009 to 2015, and Chief Executive Officer of Manchester Unity from 2006 to 2008.
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