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Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

NikNikSenior Contributor31 Oct 2016, 12:18 pm AEDT

Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

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.

57 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember15 Nov 2016, 7:56 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

It sounds you've done so much already to continue living your life, @Pocoyo.

It does take one step at a time for such big issues to be addressed, and for things to begin to move forward.

Counselling is certainly a great way to work with and through feelings of unhappiness and disappointment, and I encourage you to access some, as you are planning to.

Sadly, we can't change the people around us, they can only change themselves. In the meantime, finding joy and supports for yourself is such a great way to stay as well as you can.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

PANDASenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 7:57 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Such an important message for those who have not yet accessed supports and help and who might be crippled with fear or sense of shame@2angels. The earlier help is sought the faster the recovery... and needing help does not make you a failure!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

PANDASenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:05 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Pregnancy and the first year after birth is a time of increased risk for family violence.

Family violence is not only about physical abuse but includes emotional and psychological abuse.

If you feel unsafe at home or in your relationship please know that there are great services (and people) out there to help you.

As a start you could phone 1800Respect (1800 737 732) 24/7

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

PANDASenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:11 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

I wonder if anyone on the forums has some suggestions for those new parents who are struggling with anger or irritability... things that don't go hand in hand with the image of an 'all loving mother or father' but are such common symptoms of anxiety and depression?

It can be so hard to open up and seek help when these are the main symptoms.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

MisguidedDreamrCasual Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:17 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

I think the thing about panda is that it doesn't just go away. My daughter is nearly 1 and some days are just as bad as it was in the beginning.
Most help is offered until your child is 1. What happens then?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

MisguidedDreamrCasual Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:23 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

The thing.about public ones are they are also very quick to get you out. My daughter and I spent two week in one, i knew i needed linger but was still told I was ok. Some wear masks better than others

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

PANDASenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:31 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Hi @MisguidedDreamr many services do stop at one but we speak with families each day, many who have not even begun to seek help until their child is over one. Sometimes it's because it is hard to recognise that things are not OK, and sometimes it is just that recovery takes time, often with several steps forward and a couple back.

There are many health professionals in the community who can work with a perinatal focus after your child is one. PANDA can help you locate one in your community if that would be helpful (1300 726 306 Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm AEDT)

Every recovery is unique but there can be great comfort when you hear of someone who has travelled a similar journey. You might like to read some of our lived experience stories http://www.panda.org.au/news/recover-stories

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

PANDASenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:33 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Every recovery is unique but there can be great comfort when you hear of someone who has travelled a similar journey. You might like to read some of our lived experience stories.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

MisguidedDreamrCasual Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:36 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

@PANDA I will seek out this information thank you.
I need all the help i can get some days I struggle to do the ordinary things or even interact with my daughter, all I can do is be there. There needs to be more awareness around this.stuff when women are pregnant.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

KurraSenior Contributor15 Nov 2016, 8:37 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Emotional wellbeing for parents // 15 Nov. 7pm AEDT

Hi @PANDA
Is there any organisation that provides support for parents of adult children? The need is certainly there but I'm not aware of any specific assistance for this type of parenting.

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