Perinatal Mental Health Week was established in 2005 by PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) to help the community and health professionals develop a better understanding of perinatal mental health.
One in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, which is around 100,000 Australian parents each year.
This year’s Perinatal Mental Health Week runs from 17 to 23 November. Throughout the week, the PANDA community will share their stories to help achieve their vision of a society where perinatal mental health is valued and understood and where stigma and systemic barriers to seeking help no longer exist.
Make the call
This year, PANDA is also encouraging people to ‘Make the call’. Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one, reaching out and talking about how you’re feeling can be hard. It can feel tricky to find the right words. You don’t know how much you need to tell them, or what questions they’ll ask you. Making that call can feel scary and overwhelming.
But making the call is the most important step of the journey, and it might not be as hard as you think. To help address barriers to calling and hopefully reduce the stress around making the call, Panda will be sharing information on the different support options available, what a call might sound like, general stories about the benefits of reaching out early, quotes to normalise reaching out for help, and quotes from the community who have engaged with PANDA.
How to get involved
There’s a number of things you can do to support Perinatal Mental Health Week and help those in need.
You can share your own story, or also support the National Perinatal Mental Health Week campaign by visiting pmhweek.org.au.
PANDA also has a range of factsheets, posters, flyers and promotional materials that you can print and distribute at your workplace.
How Flourish can support you
If you or a loved one is in need of support, the Flourish Australia team can connect you to services. We can assist you in accessing support whether it be employment opportunities, peer support, help with housing or the NDIS. You can get in touch on 1300 779 270 or here.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
