Real Stories

For the first time, the pattern of my life made sense: my emotional dysregulation, chronic overwhelm, forgetfulness, learning difficulties, masking, perfectionism, burnout, and the years of being misdiagnosed with mood disorders.

I’d been told about the Baby Blues, postnatal depression, and anxiety. But no one warned me my distress could show up as shouting, swearing or stomping.

Having a baby that didn’t want to be put down meant I constantly felt “touched out”. I desperately needed time and space away from my baby to “recover” but whatever breaks I did get, were not enough and came with a lot of guilt.

I experienced a severe episode of postpartum mania and psychosis upon the birth of my first son Aidan seven years ago. It left me hospitalised in a mental health ward...

Emily experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her first child. She shares her journey of pregnancy and birth after severe mental illness. 

Thriving in a neurodivergent family often means accommodating differences, learning together, and responding with care to what your family genuinely needs.

The phone call my husband made for help was the most important phone call of our life

If you’re a parent who suspects ADHD may be part of your story, here’s what I want you to know.

I was about 7 years old when I had my first ADHD assessment but due to a lack of resources, my diagnosis was not formally completed, and I was left undiagnosed for over two decades.

When it comes to mothers’ groups chances are you’ve heard one of two stories.

We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brisbane mother, Tammy Silvio, who tragically took her own life after experiencing postnatal depression.

Melinda and Robbie are proud parents to Kalyah and baby Isla. But while the couple now has three beautiful daughters, the pain of what they endured to have their family is still raw.

Katie was shocked at the sheer force of the rage she felt after the birth of her baby, Caleb. While she had experienced postnatal depression after her daughter Abby was born, the anger after her second baby took her by surprise.

It took 18 months for Hannah to receive a diagnosis of PTSD following her traumatic birth. She’s sharing her story as part of COPE’s The Truth Campaign to help others feel less alone and to encourage women and their partners to seek help when their birth doesn’t go to plan.

Tori Haschka is the author of ‘Grace Under Pressure’ and a mother of two. She shares her story as part of COPE’s The Truth campaign

For mother of two Nia, who experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first baby, shame and stigma prevented her from asking for help when she needed it the most.

The transition to new parenthood came as a shock to Melbourne couple Nami and Andy. The pair are sharing their journey as part of COPE’s The Truth Campaign to shine a light on the way relationships can change after having a baby – and how to emerge stronger.

ABC journalist Lara Hyams experienced postnatal depression and intrusive thoughts after the birth of her first baby. Now, she’s sharing her story as part of COPE’s The Truth campaign.

Melissa shares her experience of birth as part of raising awareness of birth trauma as part of #thetruth campaign to support others.

Katie experienced a difficult upbringing and her relationship with her own mother impacted her confidence at the critical entry point of motherhood. Katie bravely shares her experience as part of COPE’s The Truth Campaign.

Ben Cribb’s daughter, Emily, experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her baby. He shares his story as part of COPE’s The Truth Campaign

COPE Ambassador Sophie Skipper shares her story of infertility as part of COPE’s The Truth campaign

Neither myself nor my family had ever heard of postnatal psychosis. Suffice to say it came as a complete shock when I experienced it!

 'The truth is we are not meant to be doing this alone.'

Rebecca shares her story of perinatal mental illness and recovery as part of COPE’s The Truth campaign.

For Jade, mum to baby Oscar, pregnancy and new motherhood were nothing like what she expected.

Renata and her husband Ben’s journey to pregnancy and parenthood was a rollercoaster of grief, guilt, sadness and gratitude.

Sarah Roberts is the founder of The Empty Cradle, a counselling service and supportive community for women who’ve lost the opportunity for motherhood.

Sydney mother of two Caitlin, who is the founder of Hyperemesis Australia, experienced HG with both of her pregnancies.  

COPE Ambassador Lauren Tench shares her story in COPE's The Truth Campaign.

Libby Trainor Parker is an author, speaker, MC, radio presenter, health advocate and a proud step and foster mum. She kindly shared her story of infertility and pregnancy loss in The Truth campaign.

Jess Sharp, mother of two experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her second child.  

It’s a week before Christmas. Everyone has been asking me when I’ll take my baby to get his first Santa photo. And I’m torn between wanting his first Christmas to be special (even though I know he won’t remember it) and simply collapsing into my own exhaustion.

The six words Megan won't forget.