Kootingal-based author and poet Hayden O’Rourke, who writes under the pseudonym H.J Kelly, is preparing to release his highly anticipated second book, In My Mind, on September 12, through Austin Macauley Publishers.
Following the success of his debut, Diaries of a Broken Teen, Kelly continues his mission to break down the stigma surrounding youth mental health, while also exploring broader themes of love, loss, and identity.
O’Rourke first rose to attention in 2021 with Diaries of a Broken Teen, a raw and deeply personal collection of poetry written during his senior high school years. The book quickly resonated with readers, debuting in the Amazon Top 100 for Poetry for Young Adults, where it remains in the top 150 today. Beyond its commercial success, the book was purchased by multiple schools in Coffs Harbour and used as a teaching resource to encourage open discussions about youth mental health.
Reflecting on what inspired him to begin writing, O’Rourke explained that poetry became an outlet during some of the darkest moments of his teenage years.
“I experienced a fair amount of trauma as a young person and, like many other teenagers, I began to struggle with my mental health in my later teen years,” he said.
“I felt alone because I didn’t have anyone that I could talk to that would understand what I was going through, and I began to break down and shut people out. A close family friend suggested that I write my experiences, so the next day I got a journal and began writing everything that I thought nobody else would understand.”
That journal eventually evolved into Diaries of a Broken Teen, which O’Rourke describes as “a message of hope.”
“My first book shares my darker experiences with mental health but for me, it serves as a message of hope, letting others know that they’re not alone and that no matter what they’re going through or how dark it gets, the hard times are not forever,” he said.
For O’Rourke, the knowledge that his words have found a home in classrooms and helped young readers feel less isolated remains one of his proudest achievements.
“‘Diaries of a Broken Teen’ was written across my senior years of high school reflecting on my experiences with mental health,” he said.
“Knowing that this collection is stocked in that very school where others can read it and know that their experiences are valid is a truly amazing feeling. If my book being in the school could help even one student, I am immensely proud of that achievement.”
With his upcoming collection, In My Mind, O’Rourke is broadening his focus. While mental health remains central, the book also delves into the universal themes of love, loss, and identity.
“‘In My Mind’ is a bit different from my last collection,” said Mr O’Rourke.
“Whilst I have still stayed true to my efforts to reduce the stigma around youth mental health, I also wanted to let young people know that there is life after the darkness and that, although I’m aware it sounds like a cliché at this point, it does get better.”
O’Rourke believes these themes are essential to understanding the human experience.
“Love, loss, identity—these are all things that the youths of today connect with and experience every day, and I felt that it was important to show that despite the bad there is always some good to be found.”
His own journey with trauma and recovery continues to shape his writing and the messages he hopes to share with others.
“Through my own experiences I am well aware of the effects that negative mental health have on the youths of today and I am aware of the stigma that is attached to it. I wanted others to know that they don’t have to be ashamed of their experiences and that there are so many others that know exactly how you feel.”
Looking ahead, O’Rourke hopes that In My Mind will serve as a source of comfort, encouragement, and connection.
“I hope readers take away a sense of connection and comfort. I want them to see themselves in my words and know that their feelings are valid, no matter what they’re going through. At the same time, I hope this collection reminds people that life is not only about the struggles but also about love, growth, and finding your place in the world.”
When asked what advice he would give to young people struggling with their own mental health, O’Rourke offered words of reassurance.
“My advice would be to remember that your struggles do not define you. It’s okay to reach out for help and to lean on others when things feel too heavy. Healing isn’t a straight line—it’s messy, and it takes time—but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. You are stronger than you think, and even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, there is always hope and brighter days ahead.”
With In My Mind set for release worldwide in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, O’Rourke is eager to continue using poetry to connect with readers and remind them that they are never alone.
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