MINI SERIES (Episode 3): Maternal Suicide and Lived Experience

ADHD Mums

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including lived experience recordings of attempted suicide. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

We cover the harrowing reality of maternal suicide, which tragically accounts for up to 20% of maternal deaths in Australia. You’ll hear deeply personal stories from two women, who bravely share their experiences with postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts. These stories are not just for mothers but for anyone who supports or knows a mother who may be struggling in silence.

We explore:

• The overwhelming pressures of motherhood, especially for neurodivergent women.
• The silent struggles many mothers face, hidden behind smiles and societal expectations.
• How hormonal shifts, financial stress, lack of sleep, and relationship changes contribute to maternal depression.
• The importance of community, connection, and asking for help.
• How reaching out or recognising warning signs can prevent tragic outcomes.

Let’s be real—we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of suicidal thoughts in a friend or encourages a mother to go and seek help then this has been worth it. It’s not about me perfectly covering all aspects of suicide, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Related Episodes:

Mini Series: The Untold Struggles of Motherhood Series

• S1E45 The Untold Struggles of Motherhood Series (Part 1) - Anonymous Guest who gets real about what motherhood is for her and how little she enjoys it
• S1E64 The Untold Struggles of Motherhood Series (Part 2) - Kaitlyn Fawlkner
• S2E11 The Untold Struggles of Motherhood Series (Part 3) - with Lucy Hollister

References:

Statistics

What does depression look like in Mums?

Support and Help Lines:

Here are some helplines and support services in Australia specifically for mothers struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing mental health challenges:

National Helplines for Suicidal Mothers:

Lifeline: Phone: 13 11 14 - Website: www.lifeline.org.au - Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for anyone in distress, including mothers experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Beyond Blue: Phone: [phone] - Website: www.beyondblue.org.au - Provides 24/7 support for people dealing with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, including specific support for postnatal depression.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) - Phone: [phone] (Mon–Fri, 9am–7:30pm AEST) - Website: www.panda.org.au - PANDA offers support for expecting and new parents experiencing anxiety and depression, with a focus on maternal mental health.

1800RESPECT - Phone: [phone] - Website: www.1800respect.org.au - A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service offering support to women in distress, including those with suicidal thoughts linked to family or domestic violence.

Suicide Call Back Service - Phone: [phone] - Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au - Provides free nationwide professional counselling to anyone affected by suicide, including mothers at risk.

Gidget Foundation - Phone: [phone] - Website: www.gidgetfoundation.org.au - Specialises in perinatal mental health support for new and expectant mothers experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

Maternal Child Health Line - Phone: 13 22 29 (24/7, VIC only) - Provides advice and support for mothers who may be struggling with their mental health during or after pregnancy.

Additional Resources:

The Pink Elephants Support Network: Provides support for women experiencing grief and loss after miscarriage, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Website: www.pinkelephants.org.au

MensLine Australia: Phone: [phone] - Website: www.mensline.org.au - A confidential counselling service for men, which may also support partners of mothers experiencing mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services by calling Triple Zero (000).

These services are designed to offer immediate support, so never hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. You are not alone

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Mentioned in this episode:

Body and Mind Online

A dedicated team of neuro-affirming psychologists, occupational therapists, counsellors, and speech pathologists that you can trust and who have been specifically trained to support your family's journey with compassion, expertise, and individualised care.

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