One Mum Tells The Truth About Her Mental Health

Mental health is a serious issue in Australia. Our resources are stretched and we hear lots of stories in the media about the state of Australia’s mental health. So stories like this, where women are upfront and honest about their disorders are refreshing, especially when they have an outcome like this.

Here is an anonymous, real Mum story about mental health:

“Well that’s my life. I am married to my sweetheart and I have a 8 month old baby girl…She is beautiful and I love my life – but it doesn’t come without it’s consequences.

I have various Mental Illnesses including anxiety, Social and general, Depression and Borderline personality disorder which is not that well known by many people in our society. I have a disorder that makes it hard to regulate my moods and thought patterns, I can’t see what’s real and what isn’t. I also have a pattern on black and white thinking- I feel things in such a huge way that it impacts my daily life.

I have anger issues, though I am happily married and WE are happy. Let me tell you it DOES strain my relationship…luckily I have an amazing supportive husband to help me through it.

We live in a rural town and getting proper help has been hard. I have just now been put on the proper medication. I have had 2 psychologist let me down, however I didn’t let that fool me into thinking it was all over.

All of my life I have had bad thoughts and even acted upon them, my home life wasn’t great. I was abused but I am thankful to be out and have a better life now with people who love me.

My anxiety is a constant struggle – sometimes I can’t even go into the shopping centre. The self hate and guilt that follows afterwards is immense. I feel horrible for not being able to greet the employees at my local store. I fear that they will think I am rude, when really I have an internal struggle going on.

My depression has also taken a toll on my loved ones and I. There are days that I cannot even look after my own baby. That is something that brings a lot of guilt. There are also times that I didn’t want to be here.

But that was the illness talking – NOT me.

I usually love my life…I mean I am married to my best friend and what you may call my soul mate. We have amazing, unbelievable chemistry. You would walk into a room and just feel it. You just know that we were meant to be somehow, we are connected in a way that I didn’t think was possible.

I am here to tell you, regardless of the big black cloud hanging over your head that is mental illnesses. YOU CAN fight it. With love and determination and proper help, you can see the light. You just have to fight the urge to give up.

Hold onto any hope you have and maintain that drive and will to succeed because I guarantee you , that you will not regret holding on. Life is hard and we all know it…some struggle more than others and that is truly saddening.

Please if you are reading this, no matter what your struggles are, please hold on…someone will be there for you. I love you. You are worthy and deserving. You ARE beautiful.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental illness there is help available:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78

Family Drug Support 1300 368 186

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27 Comments

- - mom293526 said
  - 01 Dec 2019
    12:35 pm
Thanks for sharing – it’s important we get the conversation started

- - mom152736 said
  - 25 Nov 2019
    11:23 am
this is helpful. i have actually seen a few people around me who might benefit from this.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 21 Nov 2019
    5:33 pm
Thanks for providing the links to the help lines at the end of this!

- - Mummyofone77 said
  - 01 Nov 2019
    4:15 am
Thank you for sharing. Hopefully it gets more people talking

- - mom62624 said
  - 26 Oct 2019
    10:48 pm
Thank you for sharing your story.

- - mom385887 said
  - 20 Oct 2019
    3:18 pm
I love that mental health is no longer a taboo subject. It is so important for us to be able to say “I am not okay” and to have a rough time without being judged and told we are rude or moody or whatever judgemental comment people come up with. Good on her for being open and honest about how it is to deal with mental health issues.

- - Mum2archer said
  - 18 Oct 2019
    3:24 pm
Speaking out and raising awareness is a huge step and she is very brave for doing so. Her story will help other mums to not feel alone.

- - BellaB said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    7:18 pm
Mental health problems are challenging for anyone to manage.

- - ashna9 said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    6:48 pm
Hopefully her story helps other Mums.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    4:19 pm
It’s so important to be able to talk to someone

- - mom152736 said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    1:09 pm
wow! loved reading this. just this morning there was video I saw where they said, its really important to know the difference between sadness and depression. This article is really good. Thanks.

- - ThisIsMe said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    10:54 am
Great story, I understand some of this as I grew up with a tough childhood which made me quite aggressive and “angry”. I have a very great marriage also but despite that sometimes it feels like it’s still not enough and I am always agitated or on edge. I am also lucky like you that my husband is fantastic and he doesn’t take it personal but it is draining trying to let things go and be happy if that makes sense.
- Ellen replied
  
  19 Oct 2019 , 8:41 am
  Yes I understand, bless you !
- - nadine_hill said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    10:21 am
A truly emotional read – mental health is such a huge issue here and around the world.
- Ellen replied
  
  18 Oct 2019 , 8:25 am
  It is and always has been, only now a days it is more spoken off which is good !
- - Ellen said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    8:36 am
Beautiful read and I’m glad this woman kept fighting after 2 psychologists ave let her down. Sharing and finding understanding is most essential.
My 9yr old has a history of severe neglect and was removed from her biological parents when she was 3,5yrs old. She suffers a Reactive Attachment Disorder with severe kleptomania and our whole family suffers from her defiant and provocative behaviours. We went through 2 psychologist as well and are now on the 3rd. We have to keep trying, hoping and fighting for her but I have serious concerns.

- - mom371543 said
  - 17 Oct 2019
    7:33 am
Great job sharing yes anxiety can be so crippling

- - DaffyD said
  - 16 Oct 2019
    9:57 pm
Thanks for posting the list of help lines, no one should feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help
- Ellen replied
  
  18 Oct 2019 , 8:27 am
  Amen !
- - mom147477 said
  - 16 Oct 2019
    9:52 pm
I can relate to this story as I was abused as a child and have always suffered anxiety, depression and panic attacks. This has impacted in so many ways. I have been bullied as others see me as weak. I have been prejudged and treated as if I am not worthwhile. Its tough but I try to do the very best I can and reach out to others in the same situation. Kindness and respect goes a long way with those suffering mental health issues.

- - mom418599 said
  - 16 Oct 2019
    9:14 pm
Even with the increased awareness of mental health in society there is still so much stigmatism attached

- - mummaonmatleave said
  - 16 Oct 2019
    9:14 pm
Mental health is difficult enough without the added pressure of “mum”. Glad she has opened up to hopefully support others get support.

- - mom265671 said
  - 16 Oct 2019
    9:01 pm
There isnt enough awareness round mental health.