60. No, You’re Not ‘Just Tired’ — 1 in 3 New Parents Are Barely Holding It Together

If you’ve ever thought, 'I’m just tired,' but deep down you think it’s more than that — this conversation is for you. Perinatal Mental Health Week isn’t about hashtags or general awareness. It’s about honesty.Jane speaks with Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), about the hidden crisis facing new parents. One in three new parents who complete PANDA’s mental-health checklist report thoughts of running away or self-harm. Yet most never say, 'I’m not coping.' Together they unpack why we downplay our pain, why neurodivergent mums face even higher risk, and what real support looks like — beyond 'self-care' slogans.What You’ll HearThe confronting reality of PANDA’s national data — and why so many parents suffer in silenceHow unrealistic expectations and glossy 'good mum' culture stop women from seeking helpWhy perinatal depression looks different for neurodivergent mums — and how to recognise the signsPractical ways to check on a friend (or yourself) when you sense something’s not rightThe truth about the word failure — and how PANDA reframes it into survival and strengthHow better funding — and normalising help-seeking — could change the future for Australian familiesThis Episode Is For You If …You’re a new parent who feels constantly 'on edge' or ashamed for not enjoying motherhood.You’re supporting a friend who’s not herself and don’t know how to help.You’re neurodivergent and struggling to separate exhaustion from depression.You’ve ever wondered why asking for help feels so hard.⚠️ Trigger WarningThis episode discusses perinatal mental health distress and self-harm.Please take care while listening.Key TakeawayYou’re not broken — you’re overwhelmed. Being a good parent doesn’t mean being okay all the time. It means recognising when you’re not okay and reaching out before the darkness deepens. Help-seeking isn’t weakness; it’s leadership.Resources MentionedPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 306 | www.panda.org.au | 9 am – 7:30 pm AEST Mon–Fri | 10 am – 4 pm SatMental-Health Checklist: Check how you’re really going → panda.org.au/checklistLifeline (24/7): 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636Gidget Foundation Australia: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auFor When — Free parent mental-health support: forwhenhelpline.org.auRelated ADHD Mums Episodes🎧 CONFESSIONS: I Don’t Always Like Being a Parent — A brutally honest look at the guilt, grief and relief of saying what most mums secretly feel.🎧 CONFESSION: Mums wrote in anonymously… and what they shared wrecked me — The raw, unfiltered truth about motherhood’s darkest moments, shared anonymously by real...

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