Rural Outreach worker brings motherhood experience to mental health role

Rural Outreach mental health worker Zviko Jinga is a mum of three (including twins); she has lived experience of the anxiety and isolation that often accompanies new motherhood. 

Zviko shared her story, alongside maternal health nurse Adrienne Caldow, at a community event aimed at reducing stigma and highlighting services available to new mums. 

“When the twins were very young and my daughter was three, I was always anxious,” Zviko said. 

“I was constantly checking on them, thinking they’d maybe choke in their sleep. 

“What helped me was opening up to my sister because she helped me talk it through, but not everyone has that person.” 

Zviko’s key message to attendees was to implement self-care strategies. 

“I suggest mums make an intentional effort, every day, to do something for themselves,” she said. 

“If your cup stays full, you’ll be better able to support your family. 

“Try to identify what you enjoy and what rejuvenates your energy and then intentionally make time for that every day.” 

When typical coping strategies no longer work, Zviko said there were services available, including General Practitioners, social workers, maternal health nurses, private counselling services and the Rural Outreach program. 

“What I’ve heard from mums is, they don’t feel comfortable asking for help,” she said. 

“The approach seems to be trying to convince other people they are ok, which is something we need to change. 

“Every mum has challenging moments, at some time, and it is important to ask for help so they don’t become serious problems.” 

As a non-clinical rural outreach worker, Zviko can meet with parents in the home, to simply listen or to provide guidance and referrals for other service-providers. 

“It could be that someone just needs to chat and be heard,” Zviko said. 

“It could be that they need to form connections in the community, to break the social isolation, which I can also assist with. 

“If there is a need for clinical services, I can help to organise appointments and referrals and make sure parents know where to get the help they need.” 

Zviko, who also developed social anxiety during COVID isolation, hopes sharing her story will help other mums feel comfortable about reaching out. 

“I am not someone that is separate from these problems, I myself have experienced the challenges,” she said. 

“I’m passionate about helping other parents because it’s the season I am in personally and the area I’ve worked most in professionally. 

“Together we can reduce the stigma and start finding support, for a very important time in our lives and in the lives of our children.” 

Rural Outreach workers travel to clients right across western Victoria. 

To contact the free service, phone 1300 OUTREACH (1300 688 732).