Episode 20: Stephanie Schmidt

In this week's bonus episode, I catch up with clinical psychologist, farmer and rural mum Stephanie Schmidt.We are facing unprecedented times at the moment due to the corona virus pandemic. And unfortunately, mental health is already declining for some families across the country.To assist mums that may be struggling, Steph has shared her own journey managing post natal depression, and discusses some tips and strategies to help rural mums through this difficult time.RESOURCES RECOMMENDED BY STEPH:Apps:Smiling Mind - daily mindfulness practices. The newly released Thrive Inside program is great.Mind The Bump - (by the same people as Smiling Mind) mindfulness practices specifically for pregnancy and early parenthood up to 24 months (but all helpful at any stage). MindMum - designed for new and expecting mothers, but helpful tools and strategies for mums at any point in their journey! Linked to mumspace.com.au websiteACTCompanion - is a fantastic app with lots of tools to practice strategies of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (being able to be present, open up to challenging feelings, and take action based on your values). It is usually a paid app but free until end of June using the code TOGETHERChild360 - app for parents with tools for supporting their child's social and emotional well beingWebsites:https://headtohealth.gov.au/ - Government website linking all available digital mental health resources. They have a great COVID-19 specific section.raisingchildren.net.au - Good tools and info for all agesBlackdoginstitute.org.au - has some great COVID-19 specific info but also lots of info and resources around depressionpanda.org.au - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression information website and links to helpline - PANDA National Helpline (Mon to Fri, 9am - 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) Call 1300 726 306https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/ - Telephone counselling and resources for expecting and new parentshttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia