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Craig
I'm proud of the fact I had the resilience and strength to seek help.
I still remember the day I was diagnosed with postnatal anxiety disorder. My first reaction was, "Post-natal anxiety? In a bloke? But I didn't give birth." I felt embarrassed, ashamed and certain I had been misdiagnosed. Turns out I wasn't.
From the moment my son was born I never felt comfortable in public — constantly worried about the looks from people when he cried, stressed to the point of anger if anyone came too close.
Meanwhile my wife had been diagnosed with postnatal depression and was receiving support through Gidget Foundation Australia. I was trying to be ‘superdad’, keep my career on track, maintain friendships and support my wife — until one day it all came crashing down. For months, the idea of leaving the house with my son made me physically ill.
When my wife made me an appointment with Gidget Foundation Australia, I walked into my first session feeling like a fraud. Within ten minutes I was diagnosed with postnatal anxiety disorder — and after the initial shock wore off, the weight of the world fell off my shoulders. I was given practical tools and a plan to slowly rebuild my confidence.
I'm proud I had the strength to seek help. Those hard times have made me truly appreciate the moments of unbridled joy we now share as a family.