For a long time Beechworth's Megan Blandford wasn't fine.
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In the throes of post-natal depression, she felt lost, alone and like she was a horrible mother.
But when anyone asked, she'd say she was fine.
Everyday.
The freelance writer turned author launched her first book, I'm fine (and other lies) on Sunday in Beechworth.
"I think so many people relate to the title," she said.
"So many people say it so often in our lives, I think in some way we're trying to convince ourselves it's true - it's also a bit of a code for 'can someone help me out'."
The book explores Ms Blandford's experiences of post-natal depression and anxiety, but it wasn't what she originally set out to do.
"When I sat down to write I thought it'd be more a guide, a how-to for getting through post-natal depression, with expert interviews... but instead my story came out," she said.
"So much stuff had been held in so long it just flew out of me."
Ms Blandford said writing about something so personal was terrifying, but sharing personal stories was important.
"It's definitely scary but I can see this bigger picture of it beyond my nerves," she said.
"The bigger picture of making other people feel less alone, if more people share their stories we can really healp each other.
"When you're in it, you feel people will judge you if you open up, I think that's the case with depression in general but with post-natal depression there's an added layer where you think people will think you're a terrible mother, or that your children will be taken away."
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Ms Blandford said the more people understand and hear about the realities of post-natal depression the less stigma the condition holds.
She said it was important women in that depressive mindset saw stories where people opened up and were supported.
"I'd say [to women going through post-natal depression] that it's okay," she said..
"It's okay to ask for help, it's okay to feel things aren't as joyous as you might have hoped. More women go through this than you'd ever realise. It's okay to reach out and get help."
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