Embracing Mental Health Awareness: Rex Ogle’s Journey
A Story of Resilience on World Mental Health Day
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to shine a light on mental well-being and support those navigating their own struggles. This year, we turn our attention to bestselling author Rex Ogle, whose life story is one of overcoming adversity. Having experienced poverty, domestic violence, and homelessness as a teenager, Ogle dedicated himself to the daily effort of managing severe depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
An Evening with Rex Ogle: Sharing Inspiration Through “Road Home”
In collaboration with Mountain Youth and Mountain Pride organizations, The Bookworm will host a special event featuring author Rex Ogle. He will discuss his latest book “Road Home,” which narrates the harrowing experience of finding himself homeless after his father rejected him upon discovering he was gay. This memoir is the concluding installment in his trilogy centered around LGBTQ+ youth issues and serves as a powerful testament to their resilience amid profound challenges.
Prioritizing Mental Well-Being
Rex places significant importance on mental health now compared to when he was younger. “Back in the 90s when these events took place,” he recalls, “the concept of mental health didn’t even register as something everyone should be aware of.” Life on the streets was not only terrifying but also deeply damaging for him emotionally. Over time, Ogle learned that self-care had to be his priority: “I adopt relaxation exercises like deep breathing; I engage in healthy routines; I foster social connections — most importantly though — I nurture that inner child who suffered for too long.” His hobbies include simple joys like buying LEGOs or indulging in candy—reminders not only of what brings him happiness but also symbols of healing.
How to Participate
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Join Author Rex Ogle at The Bookworm of Edwards for a Special World Mental Health Day Celebration!
About the Event
This October, The Bookworm of Edwards warmly invites you to a captivating celebration in honor of World Mental Health Day. Join us on October 10th for a special event featuring acclaimed author Rex Ogle, who will share his journey, insights on mental health, and discuss his latest works that delve into this crucial topic.
Recognizing and addressing mental health is more important than ever. This event not only promotes awareness but also encourages open dialogue, making it a perfect opportunity for community engagement.
Event Details
| Date | Time | Location | Featured Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10th | 6 PM – 8 PM | The Bookworm of Edwards, 295 Main St, Edwards, CO 81632 | Rex Ogle |
Why Mental Health Matters
- Awareness: Understanding mental health helps reduce stigma.
- Support: Events like this create
Connecting Through Literature
Through his writing endeavors, Ogle aims to reach countless young people grappling with similar experiences by assuring them they are not alone and offering an escape through pages filled with hope. Reflecting on his upbringing in rural Texas—where being queer combined with economic hardship created feelings of isolation—Ogle expresses that it has always been essential for him to write books addressing topics he’s needed throughout life’s journey: whether they tackle tough issues like those found in “Road Home” or lighter narratives such as the graphic novel “Northranger.”
Fostering Understanding Among Readers
Ogle wishes for readers from different backgrounds to appreciate empathy through engaging with stories like his own. He hopes readers who may have never faced circumstances similar can gain insight into others’ lives: “If my experiences resonate even slightly with parents who might otherwise reject their children due solely to sexual orientation,” says Ogle earnestly, “then sharing my narrative transforms all past suffering into worthwhile purpose.”
It’s through such storytelling that people can hopefully prevent further harm towards others facing similar displacements.
By participating actively within community-focused efforts directed toward sensitizing individuals about these pressing matters alongside personal accounts crafted delicately by passionate writers like Ogle—we cultivate awareness lending voices where too often silence remains dominant amid adversity’s reality.
