Thanks a Million: Mum creates box of courage to help with post-natal depression

After experiencing post-natal depression following the birth of her son, Emma Macreadie was inspired to support other mums going through tough times.

Young mum Emma Macreadie has been preparing and handing out self care hampers to mothers who are doing it tough with post-natal depression and isolation. Picture: Tony Gough

From the depths of her depression following the birth of her first son, a small kernel of hope was born in Emma Macreadie, which she has turned into a loving project.

The 30-year-old Patterson Lakes mum created hampers of self-care products to hand out to other mothers suffering post-natal depression or doing it tough.

Sadly, it’s an endeavour that has kept her busier than ever before during the lockdown months of the COVID-19 pandemic as she finds more mothers in need.

She was nominated by her friend and fellow mum, Jocasta Ball, in the Thanks a Million campaign for her selfless charity drive.

“I saw Emma at one of her lowest points and then to see her flourish and reach out to help others in a similar situation is just amazing,” Ball said.

Mum Emma Macreadie with her three-year-old son, Kyan. Picture: Tony Gough

“She does this for free, creating self-help baskets for mums who are isolated at home and I think she’s wonderful.”

Macreadie, who works four days a week in an aged care facility and also cares for her two-year-old son, Kyan, came up with the idea for the Elm Care Box after receiving treatment twice for post-natal depression.

While she has emerged from this dark period a healthier and happier version of herself, she hasn’t forgotten the other mothers who are still suffering.

“I just really wanted to do something for mums who were going through a similar situation as mine,” she said.

“When I started, I focused more on post-natal depression but that has changed now to all mothers who may be struggling through Covid-19.

“There are women who are isolated from family or don’t have family support, single mums and those who struggled with home schooling or loss of income.”

Macreadie accepts donations from local businesses who give items like candles, bath and toiletry products, earrings and books.

Emma Macreadie’s hamper creation, The Elm Box. Picture: Supplied

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And she has a GoFundMe page which she uses to buy products to make her boxes personal. But there are also times when she uses her own money.

“My hope is that my self-care boxes can put just a little smile on their faces, to let them know someone is thinking of them,” she said.