Rebuilding my Kite

Hannah Hardy-Jones, an HR professional and mother of two from Christchurch New Zealand, launched The Kite Program after becoming a parent and discovering the “lack of options for personal development when transitioning to the new role of ‘mum’”. Her powerful program and app is incredible. Hannah shares her story with Noted Magazine.

“My goal is to show people that there is hope even if you are struggling with your mental health - it is only temporary and you will be well again.”

I honestly thought motherhood would be a breeze. I had been working in corporate HR, working up to 60 hours a week- so becoming a mother would be easy I thought. But my idyllic birth turned into a traumatic ordeal, and a few days afterwards I started acting very strangely. Instead of the baby blues, my energy levels increased- I wanted to go shopping, get dressed up and I talked a million miles an hour about odd topics. I was becoming manic- but no one around me knew the signs. I was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder triggered by childbirth. After the intense mania I was struck by crippling depression. The doctors had told me it would come- but I didn’t believe them as I was such a bubbly person- surely I couldn’t become depressed?

Even though I recovered from those episodes- bipolar is an illness I will have to manage for the rest of my life. It opened my eyes up to the mental health epidemic we now have and was a key driver to me wanting to make a difference in this space. After having my second baby and managing to stay well the whole time I set about developing The Kite Program- a beautiful wellbeing and mental health app resource for mothers.

Kite is a beautiful analogy for wellbeing- as mothers we so often leave our kites discarded on the ground while we help our children’s kite soar. Kite as an app helps mums fly their kites high too- by allowing them to tackle everyday challenges in a private and beautiful way. Simple bite sized daily activities that work.

I launched Kite at the start of March, and we have users from all around the world. Feedback from mums has been just how beautiful and respectful it is- and how easy to implement it is. The most popular topics have been Better Together (how to reconnect in your relationship) and Just Breathe (reduce your stress). Kite has received incredible publicity- partly due to the fact I have been so open about my mental health journey. My goal is to show people that there is hope even if you are struggling with your mental health -it is only temporary and you will be well again.

Being featured in Forbes was one of my PR highlights- as it showcased Kite as well as the fact I am a female entrepreneur who has used my mental health experience to start my business. It is hopefully a sign of times changing in respect to how we talk about mental health.

Kite is now available as an app template for organisations to use for the wellbeing of their people, a specific Kite app for the health industry, and one for the advertising industry. We are also investigating a resource for farmers and one for teenagers- and so many more.

Kite gives our users the tools and skills to deal with difficult issues in a private and caring way. The fact it is completely beautiful is the icing on the cake.

Hannah with her family in New Zealand.

Hannah lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband and two children who are 6 and 2. Kite for Mums launched at the beginning of March and is available on both the App Store and Google Play. Hannah also has a blog that shares her postpartum bipolar story and you can read at www.thekiteprogram.com/blog

5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LIFT YOUR MOOD

1. MUSIC

Put some earphones in and play a favourite song up loud. Sing at the top of your voice if you can, or alternatively play it in the car. While you are listening focus on one aspect of the song- either the lyrics or the beat. This is also a nice way to focus your mind.

2. LAUGH

Ring a friend who makes you laugh- or watch a funny clip online. If your kids are around ask them to make you laugh with a song or a dance. Laughing is a lovely way to lift your energy levels.

3. FOCUS ON A SMELL THAT YOU LOVE IT

might be a candle or handcream, or the pages of a magazine. Spend a few minutes with your eyes closed, taking deep breaths and focusing on nothing than that smell.

4. INCREASE YOUR HEART RATE

Even just for a short period. You don’t have to go for a run- doing ten star jumps or jogging on the spot is enough to get your heart rate up and to release those endorphins. Involve your kids for a bit of fun- see who can do 20 star jumps the quickest.

5. MAKE A HOT DRINK

in your favourite mug or teacup. Take it outside and drink it while breathing in the air- even if it is a cold day. Concentrate on the mug and the drink- and feel it recharging you.