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Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

CherryBombSenior Contributor01 June 2016, 10:40 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Mental health challenges in parenthood: Speaking the unspeakable

Parenting is challenging. Change can happen in every area of wellbeing: physical, emotional and social, and the impact on daily functioning can be huge. Knowing when and how to speak up about the difficulties of parenting is complex. There are often expectations that define parenthood as something to be enjoyed. But sometimes these expectations don't match reality. Join us this Topic Tuesday with our special guests from PANDA to talk about how to speak the unspeakable.

Two things you can do now:

1. Register as a member of the forums, which enables you to participate in the session

2. Hit the like button below to receive an email reminder on the night

3. Can't make it? Leave your question below to be answered during the session

83 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

mrkotterSenior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:08 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Just along for the ride tonight. I had a good friend go through perinatal depression not that long ago. I didn't really know what to say or understand how she felt (I'm male and no kids). I guess there is real pressure to be a 'good' mum. From what she's said it was really tough to make the decision to go back on meds when there is that pressure to breast feed.

It was hard for me to figure out what to say. Obviously not as hard as it was for her.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

SquirrelSenior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:08 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Thanks @Former-Member. I am really looking forward to this evenings topics.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Shaz51Senior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:11 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

hello @Former-Member and everyone

I won`t be able to join you tonight as my internet is playing up BIG time -- Sorry xx

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember21 June 2016, 7:11 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Thanks for sharing your experience @mrkotter. Decisions around medication can be tough at the best of times and there can be so much pressure as a new mum.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

PANDASenior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:13 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Hi @mrkotter. you are so right. There is so much pressure: from both society and internalised pressure to be a good mum (or dad). It is really hard when the reality does not meet expectation and a new parent feels like they are a failure. And, it is really hard to know what to say. Sometimes all that is needed is to offer support and provide a space where difficult thoughts and feelings can be voiced.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

DedeCasual Contributor21 June 2016, 7:13 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

My daughter is currently living through post pregnancy psychosis which was always at risk given her history of bipolar it is so hard and she is so unwell and expressing suicidal thoughts, her beautiful baby is only two weeks old, I am caring for the baby and her partner is being wonderful, we are all exhausted and the wait time for a mum and baby unit is weeks away CAT team visiting twice a day this is not a great start for a new family for anyone - any suggestions ?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

SquirrelSenior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:17 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

I think you must have been a pretty good friend @mrkotter for her to confide in you as we hear how hard it is for new mums to let those around them know how hard it is for them.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

SanefanContributor21 June 2016, 7:17 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Thanks, we are still feeling, 'tender'!. We do feel very priviliged that our 24 year old is with ORYGEN and have learned that he was self medicating a serious mental health condition and we all a long way to go. My family have not been told of this since our experience 2 years ago. In fact, I have not been in touch with them as I don't feel 'safe' and feel very angry, appropriately I feel. I have learned also how we have a looooooong way to go in relation to mental health and wellbeing can go hand in hand with illicit drugs taking. Our 24 year old had experienced many years of serious bullying and an auto immune disease when younger that I've read has a direct link to mental health and drugs.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

mrkotterSenior Contributor21 June 2016, 7:19 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

@Squirrel wrote:
I think you must have been a pretty good friend @mrkotter for her to confide in you as we hear how hard it is for new mums to let those around them know how hard it is for them.

It was the least I could do. The things she has done for me, especially in the workplace, she's a real star.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember21 June 2016, 7:20 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Mental health challenges in parenthood // Tues. 21 June, 7pm AEST

Wow @Dede, that's certainly a difficult start for any family. It's great that you and her partner are such a good support. Being connected with the hospital through the CAT team is also good in terms of professional support. It sounds like you are really doing all you can. How is your daughter's situation now? It must be very difficult to keep waiting for the support you need.

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