Sam Frost has called out the mental health system in Queensland after suffering a pregnancy scare at 22 weeks.
The former Home and Away star, who is expecting her first child with fiancé Jordie Hansen, wrote about her experience on her blog Believe by Sam Frost.
She explained she went to hospital following a health scare after experiencing some bleeding, but discovered her baby was fine.
Home and Away star Sam Frost (pictured) has slammed ‘flawed’ health system after suffering a pregnancy scare
During her visit, she decided to book in the birth of her baby and started to fill in the paperwork which asked a ‘range of questions including a psychological component’.
‘I thought it was a general screening and wasn’t expecting questions relating to my mental health history, childhood experiences etc,’ she wrote.
‘I could feel my chest tightening, my breath getting shorter, tears welling in my eyes, until I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I burst into tears and had a minor anxiety attack.
She explained she went to hospital following a health scare after experiencing some bleeding, but discovered her baby was fine
‘The midwife was incredible. She was so kind, patient and genuinely cared. She softly explained why she needed to ask these questions… She assured me she will put in a psychologist referral, and someone will be in contact with me.’
Sam explained she waited to hear from the hospital for several weeks and followed up ‘four times and sent an email with my concerns’.
‘The screening process triggered a trauma response, and failing to follow up with the appropriate mental health care was reckless and irresponsible,’ she explained.
During her visit, she decided to book in the birth of her baby and started to fill in the paperwork which asked a ‘range of questions including a psychological component’
Sam eventually received a phone call from the nursing unit manager, who informed her she did not qualify for any mental health support.
‘If someone who has a long history with depression, who has experienced difficulties in their childhood which they were concerned would be brought to the surface becoming a parent themselves, and a family history with post-natal depression doesn’t meet the criteria for mental health support… then who does?’ she asked.
Sam continued: ‘After that phone call, I felt desperately alone. I felt betrayed by the system I passionately advocate for.’
Sam explained she waited to hear from the hospital for several weeks and eventually received a phone call from the nursing unit manager, who informed her she did not qualify for any mental health support. (Pictured: Sam and fiancé Jordie Hansen)
