Aurora Healthcare Backs New Season of Why Do I Feel This Way? to Drive Open Conversations About Mental Health

At a time when mental health remains one of Australia's most significant health challenges, Aurora Healthcare is reinforcing its commitment to creating open, stigma free conversations through its partnership with Why Do I Feel This Way?, hosted by Kate DeAraugo and Claudia Coy.

The podcast returns for Season Five with a focus on the realities of mental health, recovery and resilience. The newly released first episode features a candid discussion about addiction, bulimia and the complexities of maintaining long term recovery, highlighting an important truth that many people can relate to: healing is rarely a straight line.

For Aurora Healthcare, supporting the podcast aligns closely with our commitment to improving mental health awareness and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Too often, people feel pressure to appear as though they are coping, even when they are struggling. Conversations like those featured in Why Do I Feel This Way? help challenge that perception by creating space for people to openly discuss their experiences, including the setbacks, uncertainty and vulnerability that can be part of recovery.

One of the most powerful aspects of Episode One is the honesty shown by Kate and Claudia as they reflect on their own experiences, including the decision to step away from the podcast for a period of time to prioritise their wellbeing. Their willingness to acknowledge that recovery and self care are ongoing processes offers an important reminder that taking time to seek support is not a sign of failure. It is often an essential part of maintaining health and wellbeing.

Aurora Healthcare Chief Executive Officer, Daria Simic, said open conversations can play a powerful role in reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek support.

"We want people to know that it is okay to talk about mental health, okay to seek support, and okay to ask for help. Sometimes, simply starting a conversation can make all the difference.

By sharing lived experiences and creating space for honest discussions, we can help ensure that no one feels they need to face mental health challenges alone."

Aurora Healthcare believes these conversations matter because they help reduce stigma and remind people that they are not alone.

Encouraging people to talk openly about their wellbeing can have a significant impact. Stories such as Kate's help shine a light on the realities of recovery and remind us that progress is not always measured by perfection, but by having the courage to be honest, seek support when needed, and keep moving forward.

That is why Aurora Healthcare is proud to support platforms that amplify authentic voices and lived experience.

Throughout the season, listeners will hear conversations exploring topics including addiction, eating disorders, trauma, perinatal mental health and recovery. Together, these stories and professional insights reflect the many different ways mental health challenges can affect individuals, families and communities.

Importantly, Aurora Healthcare hopes the podcast serves as a valuable resource not only for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, but also for family members, carers, General Practitioners, allied health professionals and friends seeking to better understand the experiences of those around them.

For some listeners, an episode may offer comfort and validation. For others, it may provide education, perspective or a way to start a difficult conversation. In many cases, hearing someone else's journey can be a powerful reminder that recovery looks different for everyone and that support is available.

As a provider of mental health services across Australia, Aurora Healthcare sees firsthand the importance of early intervention, connection and access to care. Through initiatives such as this partnership, we hope to contribute to a broader culture where conversations about mental health are approached with openness, compassion and understanding.

Because no one should have to face mental health challenges alone.