Campbelltown mum Yasmine Patel shares mental health struggles to raise awareness for Liptember

A Campbelltown mum has bravely spoken out about the challenges of raising children and struggling with mental health to encourage women to have meaningful conversations about mental health.

Yasmine Patel, pictured with her two-year-old daughter, Sahna, is on a mission to start conversations about how motherhood can be scary.

A Campbelltown mum is on a mission to start conversations about how motherhood can be “scary” saying women should not feel bad if they don’t love being parents all the time.

About one in 10 Australian women are facing a severe mental health issue, such as postnatal depression and anxiety, but new data from Liptember Foundation has revealed mums with children living at home are four times more likely to be suffering from severe mental health challenges.

The Liptember campaign is run every day during September and encourages women across the country to proudly wear a bright lipstick to start conversations, raise awareness, and funds for women’s mental health.

As a result of childhood trauma Ruse mum Yasmine Patel has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Her own mother was an abuse survivor diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, creating a tough environment for the now 31-year-old and her siblings to grow up in.

Yasmine Patel will be wearing bright lipsticks to start conversations about mental health.

This trauma, coupled with the stress of working as a speech pathologist while raising a two-year-old, meant she struggled with guilt.

So, she is on a mission to make discussions about this more commonplace.

“I don’t think it’s something you should have to hide,” she said. “I wouldn’t give my daughter up for anything, but it’s hard work. Women are expected to do a lot.

“I think it’s very important to promote that it’s OK if you’re feeling low or if you don’t love being a parent full time. It’s hard.”

Just over two years ago, during the pandemic, Ms Patel had her first child, Sahna. The isolation of lockdown made this experience even more difficult. Now, she is pregnant with her second child, and her experiences have made her sensitive to the impact motherhood can have on mental health.

“If you’re not aware of your own triggers, motherhood can be really scary and really challenging,” said Ms Patel.

“It’s important to make sure that you have the backup that you need when those times come, but some women are so isolated, which makes it even more difficult. Having support around you is so important.”

Ms Patel was drawn to Liptember’s specific focus on women’s mental health and will be rocking bright colours to help start a conversation.

“I absolutely love Alice in Wonderland, so I’ve used the purple and pink lipsticks at the same time to make a pattern,” she said.

“ I like the concept that we use lipstick to promote the fundraiser as it’s so colourful and bright, and a good way to start the conversation. Someone will ask, ‘Why are you wearing green lipstick today?’”

To participate in Liptember, Aussies can simply register on Liptember.com.au to become a fundraiser.

The funds raised will be invested in programs, initiatives, support services for women’s mental health and research.

If you or someone you know needs help reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 and at lifeline.org.au or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, and at beyondblue.org.au.

Originally published as Campbelltown mum Yasmine Patel shares mental health struggles to raise awareness for Liptember