31-10-2016 12:18 PM - edited 14-11-2016 11:16 AM
31-10-2016 12:18 PM - edited 14-11-2016 11:16 AM
From 13th - 19th November 2016 is Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week.
For this Topic Tuesday we will be joined by PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
Becoming a parent is a major life transition: 24/7 responsibilities for another life, sleep deprivation and new stressors on relationships. For those with a history of mental illness it is a particularly vulnerable time. Anxiety or depression previously well-managed can become out of control, and shame about ‘failing as a parent' or not enjoying motherhood can prevent help-seeking.
What many people don’t know is that perinatal anxiety and depression is common, does not discriminate and has many faces. It is thought that 1 in 10 mums and 1 in 20 dads experience depression during pregnancy and 1 in 7 mums and 1 in 10 dads after the birth of their baby. Anxiety rates are thought to be higher with many parents experiencing both anxiety and depression. So many parents we speak with wear a mask of coping, underplay symptoms on routine screening, and even hide their struggles and fears from their partner and GP.
What we know is that the earlier treatment is obtained the quicker recovery and that recovery is not just possible it happens everyday! It is so important not to suffer alone.
Join us for Topic Tuesday where we will be talking about how to take care of your emotional and mental health during pregnancy and after birth, what to look out for, when and where to get help, and what that help might look like.
We look forward to speaking with you from 7 pm AEDT.
Two things you can do now
1) Read the blog '5 tips for good perinatal mental health'
2) Hit the 'Like' button below to receive an email reminder on the night
3) Can't make the session? Leave your question below.
14-11-2016 04:55 PM
14-11-2016 04:55 PM
Really looking forward to Topic Tuesday tomorrow night, in the midst of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week!
15-11-2016 06:53 PM
15-11-2016 06:53 PM
Hi everyone,
Welcome to Topic Tuesday!
This week is Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week and we are joined by two wonderful people from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) to look at Emotional wellbeing for parents.
Whether you’re a new mum or dad or have ‘been there & done it’, all are welcome to contribute tonight. @PANDA and @Former-Member are here to help answer any questions you have and share some tips and advice
If you have any questions or your own tips and advice based on your own experience, please feel free to contribute to the conversation!
A big welcome to @Pocoyo , @Litam @2angels @Shaz51 @vit @brightsideupmel @Sehnsucht
Firstly - @PANDA would you like to introduce yourselves? And perhaps share a bit about what PANDA does?
15-11-2016 07:00 PM
15-11-2016 07:00 PM
Thank you for the warm welcome @NikNik. It is great to be here.
PANDA supports mums and dads across the country in their emotional and mental health journey through pregnancy and early parenthood.
We are really passionate about creating a safe space for people to talk about the REAL challenges associated with being a parent (as well as the joys of course). So much stigma exists around mental illness and this is even greater for a new parent who feels like they are 'failing'.
So excited about being here for a chat tonight.
15-11-2016 07:02 PM
15-11-2016 07:02 PM
I would love to answer any questions you might have... or hear your experience of having a baby and managing mental health issues.
15-11-2016 07:02 PM
15-11-2016 07:02 PM
15-11-2016 07:04 PM
15-11-2016 07:04 PM
Hello everyone!
Thanks @NikNik for the warm welcome!
So happy to be here with you all tonight to talk about emotional wellbeing for parents...
Can't wait to hear your questions and comments 🙂
15-11-2016 07:05 PM
15-11-2016 07:05 PM
15-11-2016 07:06 PM
15-11-2016 07:06 PM
Hi @Pocoyo
Wow, how brave to share something so important for the first time tonight. Thank you.
Moving away from supports and familiarity adds an additional layer of stress when having a baby. We often hear of this stress impacting on relationships. When people are struggling they tend to respond in the way that is automatic for them. Sometimes that is withdrawing. I can only imagine how painful that was when you needed him the most.
Are things better now?
15-11-2016 07:06 PM
15-11-2016 07:06 PM
If you need urgent assistance, see Need help now
For mental health information, support, and referrals, contact SANE Support Services
SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health
SANE - ABN 92 006 533 606
PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.
Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.