Kylee, Support Worker with Open Minds, experienced post-natal depression and PTSD many years ago. Today she uses her personal experiences to help guide clients through their own challenges with mental health.
Kylee was 26 years old when she had her first child, and like many others she struggled with the adjustment of becoming a parent.
She was in and out of hospital for the first two years of her son’s life with post-natal depression and PTSD.
Kylee’s extremely supportive husband was there with her every step of the way to encourage her to get well again, and care for their son when she was in hospital.
It took a long time for Kylee, who’s son is now an adult, but she feels recovered and has been well for the last six years.
Still happily with her husband after 23 years, she is now focusing on her future and helping others through their mental health journeys.
Kylee has always worked in healthcare, but it’s only been recently that she’s completed her studies and paved out a career as a Support Worker.
In mid-2020, Kylee landed a job as a Support Worker at Open Minds, in the Supported Independent Living team in Wakerley and Wynnum.
Kylee’s experiences put her in a position where clients can really trust and relate to her.
Kylee recently had one of her clients approach her, stating that they felt very anxious about going through CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
Kylee was able to re-count her own experiences of going through CBT and the benefits it brought for her on her own recovery journey.
This peer experience helped to ease the client’s concerns and give hope that the therapy can truly be effective.
Kylee’s advice to other Mums also struggling after the birth of a child is to talk to someone, as they might be experiencing post-natal depression.
Kylee said “A lot of Mum’s don’t think that what they’re experiencing is normal, and they worry that they could have their baby taken away from them, but if you’re sick, you’re sick; and the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to seek help.”
“When people have a broken arm, they get it treated. Why is a mental illness any different?”
“I firmly believe that I was put in this position to help others. I tell clients not to give up because there is hope.”
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