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Ashleigh NSW
"The PANDA Helpline was crucial in my recovery. I felt so lost and confused and didn’t know where to get help. The PANDA counsellor there told me it’s OK, this is not you, it is an illness, and you can get help. Afterwards he emailed me to check in, and sent me contacts and resources."
Read Ashleigh's story >
Recovery Stories
Read these personal stories of antenatal anxiety and depression.
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Emma, QLD
"Even though I desperately wanted a second baby I had a constant sense of dread and was overcome with anxiety about the future. Every time I went to bed I would lie awake with anxiety and think, how am I going to cope with two children?"
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Hannah, WA
"In hindsight it started for me during pregnancy. I can recall moments where I would just leave the house, not tell my partner where I was going and just drive. I did not know where I was driving to, I just drove."
Read Hannah's Story >
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Kirra, WA
"I went from being over the moon about welcoming a baby brother or sister for my then 3 year old, to wanting to run away and get this alien out of my stomach. Some days were worse than others. I would wake most mornings wanting to no longer be pregnant."
Read Kirra's Story >
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Lisa, VIC
"My life before was a distant memory and I grieved the loss of that person acutely. I was lost, overwhelmed and despite all my efforts - completely out of control"
Read Lisa's Story >
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Natasha VIC
"We talk about pregnant women being emotional because of the hormones, but I could tell that this was way beyond that. I was crying at work every day – I just couldn’t control it – and when I was about six months pregnant I had to take some time off."
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Olivia, VIC
"I found myself quickly all consumed by doubt and fear all the time, inhibiting my ability to truly enjoy my pregnancy. I was always worried that something was wrong, or that something would go wrong…"
Read Olivia's Story >
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Samantha, VIC
"I started to have panic attacks again - something which had been few and far between. These attacks were over things that had not even happened yet - things that wouldn't happen until our baby was born."
Read Samantha's Story >
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Tegan, VIC
"The scan revealed a perfect beating heart, but also uterine abnormality that brought with it a whole lot of risk and a need for frequent extra monitoring. That is when the anxiety began."
Read Tegan's Story >
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Sharing stories about the personal impact of perinatal anxiety/depression plays a crucial role in raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek support. Click here to learn more about sharing your story >