After the birth of her daughter, Billie, Louise Clark “knew right from the get go something wasn’t right,” but says it wasn’t easy to talk about.
“It was difficult expressing the extent of how I felt at the first doctor’s visit. I was given medication, but things just unravelled to the point where I knew this was something I couldn’t get through on my own. Admitting that was really hard but, ultimately, it was the very thing that helped me.”
A referral to the maternal mental health unit ended up being exactly what she needed.
"I remember walking in there, with my cap pulled right down over my head... I suppose it just reflected how I was feeling inside. By the end of those sessions, I wasn’t wearing the cap."
Light after the darkness
Louise credits a combination of talk therapy, medication, time, and her mum for ultimately getting her through the “darkness” of postnatal depression. The birth of her daughter also ended up being the ultimate inspiration.
“It stopped being about me, and became all about my daughter and the life that I wanted for her.”
Louise wonders how life might have turned out if she hadn't been able to access the counselling she needed, which is why she wants to make talking therapies more accessible to those who don't meet the criteria for district health board-funded services.
Giving back
Louise says it was during her recovery that she found unexpected healing in secondhand treasures, small creative projects, and a growing desire to live more consciously and compassionately.
In 2014, she opened The Collective, a lovingly-curated secondhand fashion, furniture and homeware store in Birkenhead, Auckland with 50% of the profits from the donated items supporting the Mental Health Foundation. For Louise itwas more than just a secondhand store, it was a social enterprise to inspire happier, healthier communities.
“Starting The Collective was my way of saying hey, let’s normalise something that is actually normal, let’s encourage people to have authentic conversations, and let’s support the amazing work the Mental Health Foundation is doing,” Louise says.
“It was a project that excited me because it was about the things I really cherish: stylish sustainability; being part of a movement that has real meaning; people and their mental health and wellbeing.”
Over time Louise also saw the stress that many people faced when downsizing and moving - especially for older people.
And in 2024 The Collective evolved expanding into a service to help seniors downsize, move and take care of full estate clearances.
"The service isn't just logistics and boxes, it's about understanding that we're dealing with people's memories and identity, and we want to help them through this next phase with compassion and sensitivity."
While the kaupapa of The Collective has changed, one thing remains - the donation to the Mental Health Foundation with every senior move.
