A Dumbarton author has opened up on overcoming adversity to launch her new books.

Lisa Murray, 35, has struggled with anxiety and depression over the last three years, leading to her hitting rock bottom last August.

After a tough few months, she joined Mentor Scotland in November 2023, a mental health group, which meets every Friday in Ben View.

Through her time with the organisation, she has regained her confidence to start writing again.

This culminated with Lisa launching her eighth and ninth books on Tuesday, August 6 at Alexandria Library.

Both titles are based on her recent mental health struggles and she opened up on their importance.

She said: "I have been writing since 2019 after joining a local group.

"My two new titles [which are part of 'The Bucketlist' series] are called 'Don't Judge a Book by its Cover' and 'End the Stigma'.

"Both these books are the first things I wrote after hitting rock bottom last year.

"The character Anna, and the struggles she goes through, are based on my own experiences over the years.

"It was a really difficult time for me in 2023 and I just wanted to be able to share my story in the hope of helping others."

Lisa detailed how she was first diagnosed with depression and anxiety three years ago.

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Mentor Scotland was launched in 2022 by Jamie MacLean and she explained the vital role the group, along with chairman Peter Prior, has played in helping her overcome these struggles.

"I am now a volunteer with the group," she continued.

"To grow from becoming a member to helping people out has been an amazing transformation.

"It is important to talk about things without judgement.

"The group has given me the confidence to continue with my writing and made a real difference.

"August 6 last year was the most difficult time I have ever gone through and the same date 12 months later turned out to be one of the happiest moments of my life.

"Things do get better."