Women told us what they're going without in the cost of living crisis. One answer kept coming up.

Content warning: This article discusses suicide.

For some Australian women, the rising cost of living means cutting back on small luxuries — skipping a daily coffee, choosing home-cooked meals over dining out or delaying that weekend getaway. 

For others, though, the choices are far more dire. It's not about whether to spend on entertainment or travel, but whether to forgo essentials including food and even medication. 

Watch: Anthony Albanese on his promises for women's health. Article continues after the video.

For 24-year-old criminal lawyer, Emily, this reality defines her daily life. Living with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and chronic pain conditions, she relies on a complex regimen of medications to get through each day. 

"I first started on medication in 2017, and since then, the list has only grown," she says.

Emily takes five different types of prescription medications, and that's just for the essentials. The sheer number of medications makes for an exhausting financial juggling act.

And even though she's a single, child-free young woman on a good income, Emily is struggling to make ends meet, and has been forced to sacrifice some of the medications that are critical to her health and well-being. 

"I used to take medication for allergies and autoimmune side effects, but I had to stop. It just became too much to handle," she says. 

This might seem small on the surface, she says, but it's a sacrifice that takes a heavy emotional toll. 

"Accutane might seem like a luxury — it's just acne medication, right? But when you have PCOS, cystic acne isn't just a cosmetic issue. I work in court, where people stare at my face all day. It feels necessary."

Listen to The Quicky discuss the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on women. Post continues below.

For more critical medications, the stakes are even higher. "Metformin changed my life. Before I started taking it, I used to fall asleep at my desk. Now, I need it to function." 

Other medications are even more essential because withdrawal symptoms make it impossible to simply stop. 

"If I miss one dose, it feels like the worst hangover of my life. I can't function without them."

But prescription medication isn't her only health-related expense; there are over-the-counter painkillers, specialist appointments, and physiotherapy—all crucial for managing her conditions.

"My biggest day-to-day cost at the moment is medication. It comes before everything else."

To compensate, she's made countless adjustments that might seem minor to some people, but when you've got a chronic illness, have a massive impact on your life. Things like cooking everything from scratch and shopping for groceries at different locations, including markets. 

"It sounds nice, but when you're sick, convenience (food) is a luxury. I'd rather be resting, but I can't afford it."

Despite earning more than ever before, Emily relies heavily on her parents for financial support. "It feels ridiculous. When I was making less money, my life was more feasible. Now, I'm regularly calling them for help. It shouldn't be like this."

Every aspect of her life revolves around pharmacy costs. Payday means transferring money to her credit card, not for savings or leisure, but to cover scripts without accumulating interest. 

Even filling prescriptions requires strategy—buying them in Adelaide or Sydney when she's visiting family, where they're cheaper than in her home town of Canberra.

The most frustrating part isn't just the financial burden though — it's the feeling of being trapped. "I look at people my age, going overseas, studying, building their future. Meanwhile, my life is dictated by the cost of medication."

For single mother, Pauline, who's balancing work, rent, and raising three children, the rising cost of living isn't just an inconvenience—it's a daily struggle with life-altering consequences. 

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) over a decade ago, Pauline relies on a combination of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications to function. 

More recently, a type 2 diabetes diagnosis added another prescription to the list, bringing her monthly medication costs to around $51.

For her children, the stakes are just as high. Her son, who has ADHD, is on dexamphetamine, which is covered under the PBS, but her daughter's antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication add another $90 per month to their expenses. In a household already stretched thin, the choice between her own health and her children's needs is one she faces often.

"There have been more times than I'd like to admit where I've gone without so I could afford their medication," she says.

"I don't have a choice. My kids come first. I've had to borrow money from my mum just to make sure they get what they need—and sometimes just to afford food.

"I definitely notice the times I've had to go without," she says. "There's a real change in how I feel, and when I go back on them, I have to deal with all the side effects again."

The financial strain has forced drastic lifestyle changes. Takeaway meals are long gone, grocery shopping is a constant exercise in budgeting, and sometimes, even necessities don't make it into the cart. 

"It's impacted the kids' lives too. They notice when I'm not on my medication. The whole dynamic at home shifts when I'm struggling."

The consequences of missing doses go beyond mood swings or fatigue—without the right medication, Pauline experiences severe suicidal thoughts. "I know I'm not the only one. I've spoken to others in the same position, and they're struggling too. Not being able to afford medication is putting lives at risk."

According to the Australian Pharmacy Guild, up to 1 in 5 Australians skipped or delayed filling a script in the past three years due to cost of living. In regional areas the figure rises to 1 in 3.

On top of medication costs, Pauline is also juggling psychology appointments for her children, rising rent, and everyday expenses like petrol and groceries. 

"It's all getting too much. Rent just went up again, and everything—medication, food, fuel—it all keeps climbing. Something needs to change, but I'm not holding my breath."

As a part-time worker, she already faces financial strain, but her responsibilities as a mother make it even harder.

"My youngest son is autistic, so he has a lot of appointments. I have to take time off work to get him to them. That just makes everything harder."

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your GP or health professional. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency call 000.

Feature image: Getty/Canva.