You are currently:

Just Speak Up

Just Speak Up features personal stories about experiencing depression and anxiety around the time of becoming a parent. 

Have a read of our community members' stories of hope, recovery and resilience – then share your own, or jump on our online forums to join the conversation.

Adjusting to parenthood can take time, but if you're feeling sad, down or worried, it's time to speak up and get the support you need. 

Featured Stories

  1. Kylie Brown's story     Kylie - blogger, QLD
    I can't stress enough how important it is to have a good GP, one you trust and who listens to you.
  2. Em Rusciano's story     Em - writer, comedian, singer, VIC
    The assistance I got and the support that I got after the diagnosis helped me realise that what I was feeling was okay.
  3. Jessica Rowe's story     Jessica - presenter, journalist, author, NSW
    The most important thing is to get help... then I could focus on getting to know my baby; which is what it’s all about.
I spoke up I spoke up

Recent stories

  1. Read more on Everything’s falling apart
    Jess QLD
    Im 20 years old, with a 7 week old son. In August when I was 29 weeks pregnant, my partner... Read more on Everything’s falling apart
    16 December 2017
  2. Read more on Hyperememsis and severe depression - but there is hope
    Marina VIC
    My partner and I decided we were ready to start a family, and we got pregnant the same month we... Read more on Hyperememsis and severe depression - but there is hope
    25 September 2017
  3. Read more on Away from family makes it tough
    Kellie SA
    I had my first baby in July. While pregnant I wasn't too excited. I had wanted children but... Read more on Away from family makes it tough
    07 September 2017
  4. Read more on Pregnancy can happen - be careful, get help and look after yourself!
    CJs_mum WA
    I fell head over heels in love for the first time with someone. One thing led to the other and... Read more on Pregnancy can happen - be careful, get help and look after yourself!
    08 January 2017
  5. Read more on It's a long road when you don't ask for help
    Sarah QLD
    You'll be a natural....you've worked with kids your whole life......you've got this.....NOT! When... Read more on It's a long road when you don't ask for help
    18 November 2016
  6. Read more on A story from Kirsten
    Kirsten NSW
    When my son was born 10 years ago I was excessively worried about looking after him, both during... Read more on A story from Kirsten
    08 November 2016
  7. Read more on This is not how everyone told me it would be!
    Cassie VIC
    How to I begin to describe the feeling of wanting to run away from my entire life & start... Read more on This is not how everyone told me it would be!
    25 November 2015
  8. Read more on Paul and I have three beautiful children because we got help..
    Ilona VIC
    Unfortunately the stigma around perinatal depression and anxiety as well as depression has not... Read more on Paul and I have three beautiful children because we got help..
    16 November 2015
  9. Read more on Kylie Brown's story
    Kylie - blogger QLD
    I had always dreamt of being a mum. As a child, I would play mum with my dolls and anytime a baby... Read more on Kylie Brown's story
    09 October 2015
  10. Read more on My story about Postnatal Psychosis
    Jenny VIC
    Not long before my son was born they gave me drugs to help with the pain. 'It will be... Read more on My story about Postnatal Psychosis
    22 February 2015

Would you like to share your story?

Sharing your story can be an opportunity to download your thoughts and feelings, help others by providing hope and encouragement, and also help break down the stigma around depression and anxiety.

Share your story or join our forum community

We'd love to hear from you! You can send us your story or have a chat in the forums.

Join our forums Share your story

Get support

Find out more about depression and anxiety, available treatments and where to get help in your local area.

Contact our Support Service Find a professional

Stay in touch with us

Sign up below for regular emails filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.


All done! You should’ve received a confirmation email, so please check when you’re finished here and click the link in the email. If you can’t see it, we might be in your junk mail.

Subscribe failed. Please try later or contact us.