In this series, we invite you to get to know our volunteers. Here you'll meet Michelle.
Michelle is a PANDA Community Champion, we work together to raise awareness to reduce stigma, advocate for improved perinatal mental health systems and share messages of hope.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Michelle, I am 32 years old and from Adelaide. I live with my husband who I have been with for 15 years and our 5 year old son Jace and our 3 year old daughter Lavina. I was a beauty therapist for 12 years and after suffering from perinatal mental illness after having our daughter I decided to not return to work and instead I wanted to start a career in perinatal and infancy mental health so I would be able to help other mothers and families who experienced I had. I enrolled in a bachelor degree of psychological science and I’m currently in my third and final year. I love spending my free time cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Why did you choose to volunteer with PANDA?
I chose to volunteer with PANDA as a Community Champion as I wanted to use my lived experienced to be a voice for others who were struggling. This was because I had gone through two very different experiences during the perinatal period. With my first child, I had the joyous feeling of pure contentment that you would expect motherhood to bring, and the second time was filled fear, sadness, and guilt, the opposite of what is expected. Having the two very different experiences truly opened my eyes to a side of motherhood that is not often talked about, and it made me want to help PANDA in any way I could.
What has been your proudest achievement since becoming a Community Champion?
My proudest achievement since becoming a community champion was to be accepted as a consumer representative for PANDA on a governance committee for a perinatal mental health pilot with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Being able to assist professionals and be a part of a program that will assist people in the future makes me feel happy that I can make a difference no matter how small my contribution.
What is your most favourite activity to do with your family?
My favourite activity to do with my family would be family movie night where we watch movies in bed and eat popcorn, it is something my kids and I look forward to every week.
Finally, if you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
I would like to have super speed powers so I would be able to do the housework super-fast so I could have more time for the things I enjoy the most.
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