That tree was the inspiration for a poem she wrote while recovering at Campbelltown's Harmony House which was part of a collection of poems, entitled Who Are You?, launched at the centre last month.

``The poem is called The Tree of Life,'' Mrs Dennis said. ``It likens myself to a tree that's resilient and even though sometimes we get beaten up a little bit in this world, like this tree we're resilient and go on.''

The book contains poems that were written by 30 mental-health patients during a creative writing class at Harmony House.

Karen Nardi, who compiled the book, said the aim was to reduce the stigma of mental illness. ``Just to see everybody feel that sense of accomplishment was great,'' she said.

``When you have a mental illness the small accomplishments are a big deal.''

The book costs $12 and is available from Harmony House, Hoddle Avenue, Campbelltown.

Funds raised will go to further arts programs at the centre.

Details: 46208888.