I wasn't alone. But I had been made to _{feel that way}.

Despite being surrounded by a loving family, I often felt emotionally isolated. I struggled to find the words to express my grief and found there were few culturally safe spaces where I could openly speak about perinatal mental health without fear of judgement or misunderstanding.

I have come to understand that stigma and silence within parts of my community contributed to this isolation, making it difficult to talk about trauma, loss and emotional distress.  

After my stillbirth, I felt suspended in grief while the world continued around me, but over time, compassionate care and counselling helped me begin to heal. In my pregnancy after loss, I sought support earlier and found that continuity of care and emotional validation made a meaningful difference, helping me realise I was not alone.