Renee Knight knows more than most about the challenges surrounding mental health treatment. Having lived through perinatal anxiety and depression herself before turning her hand to advocacy, Renee’s knowledge and passion for this space is undeniable.
It was Renee’s passion for perinatal mental health that prompted Mercy Mental Health Program Director Shannon Lang to invite her to join Mercy Health Voices of Consumers Carers Alliance Link (VOCCAL).
“I suffered perinatal anxiety and depression after my son Hamish was born in 2016 and ended up in the Emergency Department at Werribee Mercy Hospital. If I had gone on any longer without the right help, I actually don’t think I would be here today,” says Renee.
Renee with son Hamish.
A lack of information about what services were available to parents suffering from perinatal mental illness and how to access them compounded Renee’s experience and have driven her to contribute whatever she can through her work with VOCCAL.
VOCCAL is a committee made up of people who have either experienced mental health challenges themselves or cared for someone who has. Equipped with real-world knowledge and experience, they provide guidance to the Mercy Health Board and Executive on key decisions relating to Mercy Health’s approach to mental health services.
“The work that we do through VOCCAL enables Mercy Health to raise awareness of the services available and to stay at the forefront of the latest research and practice in mental health,” says Renee.
Renee feels that the area in which she can make the greatest impact through her work with VOCCAL is perinatal mental health. One of their main goals is to boost the awareness of Mercy Health’s services and facilities like the Werribee Mercy Hospital Mother Baby Unit, which Renee attended with Hamish in 2016, enabling her a closely supported recovery. She believes it is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind due to its continually refined approach that puts the latest research in to practice, with a focus on building a lasting connection between mother and baby.
Renee says, “In Australia, one in seven new mothers suffers from perinatal mental health issues. The number of women in the community suffering in silence is enormous. Mother baby units can really improve the chances of a mum recovering from this more quickly.”
For more information about VOCCAL or to get involved, email: [email protected]
Last reviewed October 29, 2021.