NikNikSenior Contributor
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.
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