I was referred to Gidget House by my obstetrician during my pregnancy with my second child – Sebastian.

When I was pregnant with my second child a lot of the trauma related to my first pregnancy came back again. I thought I was across it but my obstetrician encouraged me to get a referral from my GP to see Gidget Foundation Australia. I commenced my sessions when I was pregnant and thank goodness I did.

When I had my baby boy, I spiraled. All my coping mechanisms were gone – alcohol, exercise (as my body was so sore – my joints, my muscles), work, routine – all of it. I either felt deep bone aching fatigue or an inability to relax at all – racing thoughts and obsessing over sleep and routine. I continued to receive support from Gidget throughout this time and I can say that I think it was life-saving – it kept me going. Whilst it didn’t “cure” me – I think it was one of the things that kept my head above water.

After a year things got so bad and I felt like I didn’t want to be here anymore – I didn’t think I would harm myself, but I had this desperate feeling that I needed everything to stop and now.

I ended up starting medication and that helped me a lot – but it wasn’t a magic bullet. I had a toolbox to keep me well and still do – that involves a mixture of medication, yoga, and meditation, physical activity, connection with others, and continued therapy (not through Gidget anymore).

I will be forever grateful for Gidget Foundation Australia and the support that they provided to me during a really difficult time. I’m thankful that my obstetrician noticed that I could use the support and the risks involved with my past and referred me to Gidget.

I want to make sure that I do what I can to give back and ensure that Gidget Foundation Australia can continue to support other families in need now that I am well and in a position to do so.