PANDA Week - Building Your Community Of Care

Contrary to popular belief, becoming a new mother isn’t always sunshine and roses.

Sometimes it can fill a person with anxiety and dread.

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness (PANDA) Week, November 6 to 12 had the theme of Building Your Community Of Care this year, with a focus on the mental health and well-being of new mothers, particularly those in rural and regional settings.

Approximately one in five new and expectant birth parents and up to one in 10 non-birth parents experience problematic symptoms of perinatal anxiety and/or depression.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Leader Perinatal Infant Mental Health, Keryl de Haan and SAFE START Coordinator MLHD, Ashleigh Shipp, along with their colleagues have joined forces for multiple events to raise awareness of depression and anxiety and how to access help. “We know that looking after a newborn is a steep learning curve, event parents who find the transition relatively straightforward can experience feelings of stress, exhaustion and be overwhelmed,” Ms de Haan said. “We know that stress, interrupted sleep and two-hour demands can take their toll but they become more manageable when we are able to take care of and nurture ourselves. “It is normal to experience a degree of anxiety and ‘ups and downs’ when expecting a baby in the months that follow birth. “However, some people develop more-pronounced anxiety or lowered mood which can affect their daily life and functioning. “When this occurs during pregnancy it is known as antenatal anxiety or antenatal depression.

“Talking to a health professional can help identify symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mental health conditions and identify additional helpful strategies, support networks and treatment.”

It’s important to know that antenatal anxiety and depression is temporary and treatable and seeking help early has the best outcome.

MLHD staff have shared information and resources across the community this past week to help raise awareness, including at Griffith City Library, Narrandera Park, Wagga City Council LIbrary and Young Hospital.

Chatting with your GP, maternity or local hospital, and child and family health nurse can provide options for where to go next which could include:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) helpline, 1300 726 306 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7:30 pm);
• Lifeline, 13 11 14; and
• Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636.

Information and support can also be found at www.panda.org.au.

If symptoms are more severe and involve thoughts of harm to oneself or the baby then immediate help is available by contacting AccessLine on 1800 800 944.

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Welbeing