Real Stories

Lived experiences of perinatal mental health in Australia

Holding space for the stories we often keep to ourselves.

I know first-hand how isolating it can feel when you’re experiencing perinatal mental health challenges — like you’re the only one thinking or feeling this way. That’s why sharing lived experience matters.

These are real stories from mothers across Australia who have moved through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum while navigating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and recovery.

My hope is that these stories help reduce stigma, offer insight into the support and services that can help, and inspire those on their own healing journey. More than anything, I hope you know you’re not alone.

Thank you for trusting me with your stories — it’s an honour I don’t take lightly.

Rebecca

Explore Stories by Experience.

All Episodes.

anxiety, depression, MBU, PIMHS Rebecca McMartin anxiety, depression, MBU, PIMHS Rebecca McMartin

37 | Sarah

For the first three months of her daughter’s life, Sarah put on a brave face while anxiety and insomnia quietly intensified behind the scenes. When she could no longer hide the severity of her illness, she finally said, ‘I need serious help’, marking the beginning of her journey towards finding the support she needed.

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