We bring this special three-part investigation into birth trauma to a conclusion by discussing the stigma parents can face and the importance of validation from healthcare professionals.

We also examine the other layers of support available to young families, and the importance of storytelling as a means of combating stigma, creating change and providing purpose.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

In the second episode of our three-part investigation, we hear stories from parents about the impact birth trauma has had on their lives.

They share some of the circumstances that led to the resultant birth trauma, and we unpack the loss of control that many parents experience before, during and even post-labour.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including still birth, depression, discussions of trauma, dissociation and postpartum psychosis.

We're closing season two of Embracing the Mind with a special three-part investigation into birth trauma.

In our first episode, you’ll be introduced to Hannah Kelly, a mother-of-one who experienced post-partum psychosis after failing to receive adequate support in the birthing suite.

You will also hear about risk factors from Dr Kelli MacMillan, a senior lecturer and clinical psychologist at Murdoch Uni and King Edward Memorial Hospital.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday-Saturday.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including dissociation, burnout, intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviour and suicidal OCD.

In our episode on obsessive compulsive disorder, I speak to Dr Leigh Sheppard about how receiving a diagnosis of OCD changed her career trajectory, and now sees her treating patients with OCD at her GP clinic, and making a difference with her not-for-profit OCDWA.

I’m then joined by Curtin University’s Dr Rebecca Anderson, who busts a few myths about what OCD commonly looks like and tells me about the treatments available to people with the condition.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including mention of suicide.

Today, we’re focusing on the impact that working FIFO, or fly-in-fly-out, can have on a person’s mental health. We speak to Matt Resta who works in the mining industry, about the ups and downs he’s faced living between site and his home, and why he’s decided to become an advocate for mental health in his workforce.

We also speak to Dr Laura Fruhen, of Radboud University in the Netherlands. Before Laura moved overseas, she worked on a project with WA’s Mental Health Commission examining the mental health of FIFO workers. She tells us about the findings from that work, including some of the factors that can impact mental health on site.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including serious injury following a car accident, burn injury and depression.

Today, we’ll be looking at post-traumatic growth – where people have been able to unlock newfound perspectives after suffering hardship.

In this episode, we’re going to speak to 18-year-old Josh Forde, whose entire future was rewritten following an awful car accident just one year ago. Josh’s attitude in the months after the crash is a testament to his character and his ability to find the positives in anything.

We’re then joined by Dr Lisa Martin from the Fiona Wood Foundation, who unpacks some of the theories about how post-traumatic growth occurs.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including anxiety and stigma.

In today’s episode on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, we speak to PhD student Kate Fitzgerald. Kate received a diagnosis of ADHD just before the referral system was met with substantial delays through the COVID period. She explains how to get a diagnosis, and how ADHD affects her day-to-day.

Telethon Kids Institute researcher and UWA PhD student Irene Mateo Arriero then explains the best practice for parents and family members to discuss their child’s ADHD with others, and counters the common misconceptions around overdiagnosis.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.

TW: This episode contains discussion of content that may be distressing to some viewers, including anxiety and stigma.

In today's really special episode, we will be speaking to 8-year-old Andre and his big sister Summer, who is 9 years old. Andre has a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder, and we’ve gone to his house so he and Summer can ask me questions about my own experiences with autism, which my brother also has a diagnosis for.

We’re then joined back at the office by CliniKids and Telethon Kids Institute’s Dr Gail Alvares, who tells us about the importance of listening to people with autism when doing research.

If this episode has caused you distress, please reach out to a loved one or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.

Check out Andre's favourite surfing group oceanheroes.com.au or on Instagram @oceanheroes

You can follow our host Alix @drwoolard on Instagram.