Laura expressed, "We wish we could attend therapy sessions for our mental health, see the GP regularly, and visit the dentist, but we've had to limit these to prioritize our children's health instead."
Laura Wilson shares that the experience of raising twins has taken both a financial and emotional toll on her family.
Now a stay-at-home mom, Laura, who previously worked in marketing, admits that the aspect she yearns for the most is social interaction, which has become less frequent as the family tightens its budget.
The volunteer director of the Australian Multiple Birth Association says that while she's finding it tough, her organisation is also suffering, with shrinking volunteer numbers taking a serious toll on people's wellbeing.
"I think we'll be seeing inequities grow, which is sad and a failure of our policies."
The 35-year-old charges clients less for a standard consult than the Australian Psychological Society's suggested fee -- a practice she says is common among her peers to stay affordable, but is challenging as living and business costs continue to bite.
"Last year I made the decision to freeze my eggs to ensure that I could have a family. It's quite an expensive process, not just financially, but emotionally as well," she told Insight.
"Mental health should not be considered a luxury item; it's your health at the end of the day," Ornella said.
Potential consequences of ignoring our mental health include unstable moods, impaired self-esteem, increased risk of physical illness, reduced energy and motivation, issues with sleep and appetite, and issues with concentration and focus.
"People having to work so much just to afford the basics means they don't have time to lean into the community."
"Even though we try to shield her from that kind of stuff, we can't."