Perinatal Mental Health Week, November 12-18, is a national week aimed at raising awareness and destigmatising perinatal mental health issues.
Perinatal refers to the period of time when a woman becomes pregnant and up to a year after giving birth when up to one-in-five mums and one-in-10 dads will experience perinatal depression and anxiety.
This means that across Australia up to 100,000 families are impacted each year.
Saratoga mum Lisa Fox, who also is a life and work coach who supports mums, has herself experienced anxiety and depression during the perinatal period.
“The journey into parenthood while joyful can also be immensely challenging,” she said.
“PMH Week seeks to destigmatise the struggles of new and expectant parents by acknowledging that it’s okay to seek help and that they are not alone in their experiences.
“I know that the feeling of aloneness can be immense.
“I experienced depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.
“At the time I carried a great deal of shame about not being the mum I thought I was meant to be.
“Eight years on I can now look back at that new mum with compassion.
“I was not aware of any specific perinatal mental health services as a new mum in 2015.
“Today, as a life and work coach for mums, it’s encouraging to see what is available, and I want to ensure others on the Coast know too.”
Fox said just three of the support services now available included PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia which operates the National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline 1300 726 306; the GIDGET Foundation which provides free psychological services to parents through its Gidget House face-to-face services and Start Talking telehealth program; and the Centre for Perinatal Excellence (COPE) free app called Ready to COPE which helps parents understand the expected changes and challenges of each week of pregnancy, birth and the first 12 months.
This year’s theme – We’re here, uncover your village – is also encouraging family, friends and the broader community to understand that they can play a pivotal role in helping expectant and new parents navigate this challenging time by becoming part of a parent’s support network.
“Understanding the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health issues, as well as knowing where to direct parents for professional help, are key elements to providing that supportive network,” Fox said.
For more information go to www.pmhweek.org.au