Amie Rohan’s new life purpose after baby Willow’s passing

Three years after the heartbreak of losing her daughter and 12 months since her marriage breakdown, Amie Rohan is finding a voice to help others.

Amie Rohan at home in Ocean Grove. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Amie Rohan says the loss of daughter Willow has set her on a new path of purpose and healing.

Rohan has found the strength to reset after being riddled with anxiety following her baby’s death just five hours after birth in 2018.

She and ex-husband, Cats star Gary, are parents to Willow and her twin Bella, and Sadie, born last year.

“Willow has given me a strength I never knew I had,’’ Rohan said.

“I truly believe Willow was here for a reason, she taught me so many valuable lessons about life itself.

“She’s sent me on a new trajectory that’s for sure, she’s inspired me to take that leap of faith and do more background work around child loss, grief and the post-natal struggles I’ve also experienced and use it to help others going through the same or similar situations.

“I want to be a bit of a voice for people who are feeling as lost as I felt and for those trying to navigate life after grief.”

With the support of family, friends and a psychologist, Rohan has taken back control of her life.

Amie Rohan with daughters Bella, 3, and Sadie, l. Picture: Mark Stewart

Amie Rohan with then-husband Gary and baby Sadie in 2020.

The mum of two is now an ambassador for Red Nose Australia, the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and One in Five. She is also partnering with kids dancewear label Flo to design a dress in honour of Willow, to be released in October, with all funds to go to Red Nose Australia.

She has spoken about the trauma of her marriage split — Gary is now in a relationship with physiotherapist Madi Bennett — but she is focusing on rebuilding herself.

“Healing isn’t linear and it’s not pretty either, and I think sharing this with others is very beneficial to open up a space for grieving and trauma-ridden parents to make them realise they’re not alone and what they’re going through is completely normal,’’ Rohan said.

“Mental health is such a complex thing and if you had have asked me to talk about my experience with my struggles say two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to articulate to others what I was going through, I was so riddled with anxiety I couldn’t even pick an outfit to wear some days.

“It’s taken a lot of work and a lot of time and healing to get to this point.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight and it’s definitely not a linear thing.

“But now that I’m at this point, I really want to help others who are going through what I’ve been through and to help them see that there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how hard that is to see initially.”

Rohan wants to share her experiences and advice warts and all, saying social media is largely a highlights reel.

“A big thing I tell myself over and over whenever I’m going through trying times is — everything is momentary,’’ she said.

“I know it’s easier said than done but the saying ‘this too shall pass’ couldn’t be more true.

“Lean on those close to you, find your reset buttons, take time out for you when you need.”