Liam
As a father, I put pressure on myself to stay strong and keep everything together — often suppressing my own emotions.
My perinatal mental health journey began with the loss of our daughter Summer Ellen, at 38 weeks through stillbirth, an experience that changed our lives forever.
We had spent months imagining who she would be, and then suddenly, we were navigating a world without her. In the aftermath, I felt overwhelming shock, helplessness, and anxiety, while also trying to support my wife and family.
As a father, I put pressure on myself to stay strong and keep everything together, often suppressing my own emotions and struggling to express what I was going through. Over time, it became clear that carrying that weight alone was not sustainable.
My wife Lyndsay had been supported by Gidget Foundation Australia, and, after some coaxing, I was encouraged to meet with them as well. Sitting in that first session, I realised I had been holding far more than I knew. Through that support, I was able to begin processing the grief in a healthier way. You don't know what you don't know – and even without realising it, it stays with you every day. Having a safe space to talk, along with practical tools tailored to me, helped me better understand my emotions, support my family, and keep Summer's memory present in our lives.
For many men, there can be an added layer of pressure to be the "strong one" which can make it harder to open up or recognise when support is needed. If you're reading this and recognising yourself in any of it, reach out to the Gidget Foundation Australia. Seeking help is not a weakness, and this doesn’t have to be carried alone.