Mum's book to finish son's fight, 'change lives for better'
When Matty Gibbs suddenly passed away three-and-a-half years ago, his mum Karen made it her mission to finish what he started
Coffs Harbour
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coffs Harbour. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FOR 12 long years, Matthew Gibbs battled with demons inside his head.
But his family were there by his side. His mum, Karen Gibbs, in particular was his rock.
When he suddenly passed away three-and-a-half years ago, Karen made it her mission to finish what Matty started.
Since Matty's death, Karen has gathered her thoughts to publish a novel to help others Stop The Downward Spiral.
"Being caught in the downward spiral of addiction and alcohol abuse was something he struggled with for a long time," Karen said.
"He made mistakes which really took a toll on his health. But over the years he helped so many people as he had definite ideas on what was needed to avoid the pitfalls associated with mental health."
The book gives a voice to those suffering depression and anxiety. Karen said it was essentially a carer's guide to helping others help themselves.
When Matty first began to show signs of depression and anxiety, the family did everything in their power to find help.
"It felt like we were forever trying to get help," she said. "There's such a stigma about mental health issues. We couldn't even find a doctor that tired to help with anything other than medication."
Karen added Matty was in the process of raising money to help others when he died.
"I now feel that I have a work to do, together with my boy, to fulfil his wish of helping others fight mental health issues," she said.
He left behind a loving family and his trusty side-kick Tipsy. Matty's parents now look after Tipsy at their new property called "Matty's Place".
Karen now lives her life motivating and inspiring others through her writings and blog posts following in her late sons footsteps and publishing his inspirational sayings.
"He always said that 'hope is eternal'. There is always hope. He often spoke of his mistakes and what he had learned. He wrote that if one person could be saved from despair then his suffering would not be in vain," Karen said.
She has begun collecting emails through her website for those who wish to keep in touch with the book's progress.
She said she intended to offer a free e-book when it is released later this year.
"My heartfelt wish is to honour Matty's life by getting his message out to as many people as possible. Hopefully it will change lives for the better," Karen said.
To follow the progress of Stop The Downward Spiral sign up here: karengibbs.com.au.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Originally published as Mum's book to finish son's fight, 'change lives for better'
Revealed: The 64 women who went missing or were murdered
For the first time the full list of 64 women who went missing or were murdered along the NSW north coast can be revealed.
Serial killer fears: Push for probe into dozens who vanished
Dozens of women who were brutally murdered or disappeared on the NSW North Coast, but whose perpetrators were never caught can be revealed among fears some of them could be the work of one or more serial killers.