The presentation will explore mental health in aging and how prevalent it is within the elder community.

Hodges will also be sharing her own experiences battling depression, which she has captured in her second memoir, Girl Over The Edge.

"I think one of the biggest highlights I would like people to take away from the presentation is that mental health needs to be, and should be looked at the same as physical health," Hodges said.

"Mental health is often swept under the rug, specifically mental health in aging, which it is quite prevalent within the elder community. Older people often deal with a lot of issues which can be hard for them to cope with such.

"During the presentation I will be talking about my own experiences battling with mental health.

"I also talk about the stigma and shame which often surrounds mental health and how compassion and empathy can go a long way when dealing with mental health.

Hodges said it is important for people to keep in mind that she is not a clinician but an advocate for mental health.

"I'm not a clinician," she said.

"And I make that very clear at the start of all my presentations.

"I'm just someone who has written a book about my experiences."

Hodges said she will be showing a Powerpoint presentation on the day to address various topics relating to mental health in aging.

Hodges wrote her first memoir, Girl On The Edge, in her 40s, followed by her second memoir, Girl Over The Edge, which reflects on her experience with depression and when her psychiatrist first told her she believed Hodges suffered with depression.

Hodges will be presenting at Dubbo Oak Tree Retirement from 10am, Monday, April 19.

For more details regarding the presentation visit kimhodges.id.au.

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