Emily Writes: We have a post-natal depression epidemic and it’s killing mothers

The latest episode of Attitude Documentary series In My Mind focused on the mental health of mothers. For Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes, watching it was both a draining, painful experience and a wake-up call about the epidemic of PND in New Zealand. Content warning: This post contains discussions and descriptions of mental health and … Read more

Emily Writes on the couch with a clinical psychologist

Spinoff Parents editor Emily Writes is an anxious mess, which is why she’s constantly talking about mental health in mothers and the need to get help if you need it. She recently spoke to a clinical psychologist who specialises in treating mothers with anxiety and depression and other mental health issues. This is the fourth … Read more

I won’t suddenly be well: On the pain of not being the mother you want to be

An essay by Linda Jane Keegan about postnatal depression, coming out the other side, and the knowledge that you’ll forever be changed. Content warning: This post contains a descriptions of mental illness. It may be upsetting to people who are struggling with their own mental health. There are helplines at the bottom of the piece … Read more

How the ‘Supermum’ narrative is hurting mothers

Being called a Supermum is supposed to be a light-hearted compliment, but is it helpful? Clinical psychologist Sarah Bell-Booth isn’t so sure. The definition of a Supermum seems to include a daunting super long-list of super parent powers. You must of course be able to adopt and maintain a happy and calm disposition 24/7, seven … Read more

‘I’ve never had to fight so hard before’: How I battled PTSD after a traumatic birth

At The Spinoff Parents we are committed to publishing stories of parents who have struggled with poor mental health in the hopes that others will see they’re not alone and we can break the stigma of mental illness in parenting. Here Kelsie Moroney shares her story of overcoming PTSD after a traumatic birth. Content warning: This post contains … Read more

I looked at my child and I thought he was a stranger: My experience with postnatal depression

May is Postnatal Depression Awareness Month. We’ll be sharing stories by mothers around New Zealand about their journeys with postnatal depression. If you need help, there is help. Please ask for help, because you matter. Content warning: This post contains a descriptions of mental illness. It may be upsetting to people who are struggling with … Read more

The black cloud: How I survived my postnatal depression to live again

‘This is what depression does. It feeds you lies.’ In this anonymous post, a mother talks about how her journey through postnatal depression and out the other side – and implores us to talk about it to save other parents going through the same thing. Content warning: This post contains a descriptions of mental illness. … Read more