Mental Health & Wellness Service - supporting māmā, pēpi and whānau by embracing, educating, and empowering māmā.
146 Fraser Street
Tauranga
3112
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I’ve attached this photo below of myself and Ayla at 11 months, when I was going down what I call the “Rabbit Hole”, this photo was taken just before I was diagnosed with Post-Natal Depression. It's amazing the face we present to the world whilst inside there is chaos and complete overwhelm! I keep this picture on the wall of my office as a reminder to not hide or pretend but to express, own and allow whatever is presenting for me as a Woman and a Mother.
Becoming a mother has required an enormous amount of learning, especially about myself, like letting go of control and expectation. Our first year was traumatic with reflux, my daughter Ayla was in pain and cried most of the day and night, the stress of this resulted in post-natal depression at the end of 2014. I experienced many barriers to accessing support for myself as well as the stigma and shame associated with mental health issues which is still very prevalent in our society. I realised I wanted to be part of the proactive change that is required. Although there are some great services available, there isn’t the awareness or conversation and connection occurring to support those when they are at their most vulnerable. In talking to parents about my own experience it become very clear to me that there was a need for further practical support. When you are in the haze of depression it can be difficult to decide what help you do need - this is why I created a service to help advocate for parents.
True Colours - Honouring the Mother, runs both physical support groups and online options too. The inspiration for the name comes from the 80’s Cyndi Lauper song True Colours which talks about shining through all the colours of the rainbow. I believe as parents, we are exposed to the range of experiences and emotions, the light and the dark. Experiencing post-natal depression with my own child has taken me along that spectrum of colours from the very dark to the light. Parenting can present the opportunity to look within and find out who you are and who you would like to be as a parent, your true colours so to speak.
The physical Support Group meets monthly at the Tauranga Parent’s Centre, located in the Historic Village, 17th Avenue. Childcare is provided onsite, by arrangement; we are all located in the one building so children can see and hear you but are occupied so your participation and presence can also occur. Group is held generally on the last Monday of each Month from 12-2pm, for specific dates please see our event page. The Online Group was launched late 2019 and runs twice a month, again please see our events page for sessions. Both services are now funded so is free!
