PANDA Week 2020
November 8 marks the beginning of PANDA week 2020. PANDA week aims to bring recognition to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression. Perinatal mental health concerns parents (including soon to be mums + dads) – specifically the potential mental health troubles that come along with being a new parent. With the 2020 theme being Tell someone who cares, PANDA works to
- Enable people who face unique challenges in becoming parents to access the support they need for their mental wellbeing, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) parents, and parents in low socio-economic communities and rural and remote communities.
- Highlight the fact that not all expecting and new parents who need support are able to access it, and working together toward a solution.
- Provide the tools expecting and new parents need in order to successfully find support for their mental wellbeing.
- Provide health professionals with information and language that will allow them to support the mental health of their clients just as much as they do their physical health.
In Australia alone 100,000 families each year will be affected by mental health within the perinatal period. This period is defined as the time between conception of a child through to the first year of life. It is therefore understandable why we see so many families that struggle with mental health during this time. The ups, the downs and the uncertainties that come with being a new parent are unparalleled to any other experience in our lives. PANDA serves as a purpose to support parents in this time to ensure them that what they are going through isn’t uncommon, and there is help.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 new mothers will experience mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. 1 in 10 new fathers will also be affected in this time.
TPM this year is engaging with PANDA week as a support hub for parents to seek out help. If you yourself are experiencing any troubles as a new parent we encourage you to reach out ~ speaking to one of our trusted professionals is a great place to start or contacting PANDA Hotlines.
What are the signs of Post natal depression or perinatal mental illness?
- Feeling sad, low or crying for no obvious reason
- Persistent generalised worry
- Being constantly ‘on edge’ or worried
- Difficulties sleeping
- Experiencing constant lethargy
- Having little or no interest in things that normally bring you joy
- Fear of being alone, or with others
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Developing obsessive compulsive behaviours
We Know that everyone experiences postnatal anxiety and depression differently, and the sooner people seek support the sooner they can start feeling better.
PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline – 1300 726 306
Up to date information and advice on PANDA’s websites.
