Midwifery
Perinatal Anxiety And Depression: A Serious And Common Illness That Affects Around 100,000 Families Across Australia Every Year
Perinatal anxiety and depression affects as many as 1 in 5 expecting or new mums and 1 in 10 expecting or new dads. If left untreated, it can have a devastating impact on families and can even put lives at risk.
Yet there is still a great deal of confusion and lack of understanding in the community about this illness. Even though perinatal anxiety and depression affects around 100,000 families across Australia every year, many people still don’t know its signs and symptoms. And many still don’t know where to go to seek help.
We know that one of the key reasons many expecting and new parents struggling with perinatal anxiety or depression don’t seek help is because they don’t know what’s happening to them. So it’s absolutely critical that more people know about this illness so mums and dads can seek help and recover more quickly.
This is why Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week is so important.
In 2017, Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week will run from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 of November. The purpose of the week is to highlight how common and serious this illness is, increase awareness in the community about the signs to look for and also reduce stigma.
It’s important to look for the signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression in any expecting or new parent you know.
These can include constant sadness or crying; panic attacks; persistent, generalised worry; sleep problems unrelated to the baby’s needs; lethargy; loss of confidence and self-esteem; and withdrawal from friends and family.
Most importantly, keep the conversation going!
By starting conversations all across Australia, you can help expecting and new mums, dads and their families understand what the illness is, what the signs are and why it’s important to seek help early. And just as importantly, who to talk to and where to go in seeking support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal anxiety or depression the PANDA National Helpline is available for support 1300 726 306 M – F 9.00am – 7.30pm (AEST/ADST)
This blog post has been contributed by PANDA.
About PANDA
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia is a specialist not for profit organisation that has been raising awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression for over 30 years and has helped tens of thousands of Australians get vital information, support and treatment to aid their recovery. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for women, men and families struggling with perinatal anxiety and depression.