THE arrival of a child into a family is normally a joyous occasion and considered very much a blessing.
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However, current research reveals up to one-in-10 women experience depression during pregnancy, and up to one-in-seven parents experience depression in the year following birth, according to the Mental Health Association of NSW.
Men can also experience antenatal and postnatal depression independently of their partners.
The combined period during pregnancy and after birth is known as the perinatal phase. Perinatal anxiety and depression affects more than 100,000 Australian parents each year.
The illness does not discriminate, and if left untreated can have far-reaching effects on a person’s health and wellbeing. This year, Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) Awareness Week will run from November 15 to 21.
Antenatal anxiety and depression are strong risk factors in developing postnatal anxiety and depression, so the periods before and after birth should not be considered differently.
“Depression is also often experienced during pregnancy and anxiety is equally common both during pregnancy and after birth,” Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) chief executive Terri Smith said.
“In short, there are many shades of grey experienced during this volatile period, as there are as many different presentations as there are people, with symptoms of anxiety being just one of them.
“There’s a range of challenges on the pathway to parenthood and it can often be hard to make sense of what’s happening and how you feel about it.
“During PNDA Awareness Week, PANDA encourages all Australians to become aware of the signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression, and encourages new parents to reach out for support if they are struggling.”
PANDA’s free national helpline offers counselling, information and referral services, with ongoing telephone support for families throughout Australia.
To tie in with PNDA awareness week, this month’s online Friday Forum – at www.the land.com.au on Friday, November 13 – aims to raise awareness and help people understand what the symptoms are and how to seek help.
An expert panel will be ready to answer your questions about important issues including:
* What are the symptoms of perinatal depression;
* Where and when to seek help;
* How to identify if someone needs help, including partners;
* How to support your partner who may be at risk or suffering from perinatal depression and anxiety; and
* Tips to reduce stress and anxiety.
Visit www.theland.com.au on November 13, from noon to 1pm, and follow the links to the Friday Forum.
