Behind Closed Doors
Behind Closed Doors is a podcast where I share my personal journey of nearly two decades living with chronic pain, mental health struggles, and sleepless
nights. It’s a raw, honest conversation about the realities many of us face but
rarely talk about openly.
The mission behind the podcast is simple, to create connection and
understanding. Everyone has a story, and often the hardest battles happen
behind closed doors. By sharing mine, I hope to shine a light on those silent
struggles, reduce the stigma around chronic illness and mental health, and
remind people they’re not alone.
Behind Closed Doors
Where My 19 Year Journey of Silent Health Battles Began
Behind Closed Doors is a 7-part audio series written and voiced by Alice Atkins.
In episode 1, I share how my journey with invisible chronic illness, chronic pain, sleep and mental health struggles began.
It’s a real, honest look at what it’s like to carry unseen battles and finally start speaking your truth.
Show notes
If this episode brought up feelings like anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, you’re not alone. These are common experiences, and support is available.
Here are some steps and resources that might help:
- Reach out to your GP, maternal health nurse, or a trusted health professional. They can guide you toward the right support.
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306 | Website: PANDA
- COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): Website: COPE
- Talk to someone you trust a partner, friend, or family. Sometimes just saying it aloud helps.
- Consider seeing therapists trained in perinatal mental health for tools, validation, and language.
- Try writing, breath work, or body-based practices, these can connect with emotions that words can’t reach.
- Remember: You don’t need to be perfect to be a good mum. You are doing enough. Be gentle with yourself.
Living with chronic pain is exhausting, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re dealing with it, you’re not alone. Here are some supportive ideas:
Mind-Body Connection
- The Way Out by Alan Gordon (on rewiring pain pathways)
- Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno (explores emotional roots of pain; might resonate differently for everyone)
- Curable App, education and tools to manage pain with a mind-body approach
Body-Based Support
- Physiotherapy, gentle movement, or exercise that feels safe (even 5 minutes daily helps)
- Heat, hydrotherapy, walking, rest, simple but effective tools
- You don’t have to push through pain to make progress
Nervous System & Emotional Support
- Somatic therapy or trauma-informed counselling
- Mindfulness, grounding practices, journaling, or creative outlets to express what words can’t
Podcasts to Learn From (if you have the capacity)
- Tell Me About Your Pain (Alan Gordon & Alon Ziv)
- The Chronic Comeback (Phil Hatfield)
- Feel Better Live More Ep #472 (Professor Peter O’Sullivan on breaking free from chronic pain)
Struggling with Sleep or Insomnia
- Sleep difficulties are common postpartum, especially when combined with anxiety, pain, or stress. You are not alone.
- Speak with your GP or a perinatal sleep specialist if sleep loss is persistent. They can guide safe strategies.
- Sleep hygiene tips: keep a consistent bedtime routine, limit screens before bed, and make your bedroom a calm, dark, cool environment.
- Gentle tools: relaxation, breath work, meditation.
Please follow Behind Closed Doors on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behind.closed.doors.podcast/