There are approximately 100,000 Aussie parents currently struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety – and it is often close friends and family who will be first to notice.
It is important that we all are aware of the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression so that we might be able to identify it in ourselves or in our loved ones – early intervention means a quicker recovery.
It is also important to ask for help when you’re a parent. Or offer to help a new parent – even those who aren’t dealing with PND will need support and assistance.
Remember that it is more common than we realise – more than 1 in 7 mothers are diagnosed each year in Australia (and many more go undiagnosed). And don’t forget to ask how dad is feeling after baby too. Up to 1 in 20 dads are diagnosed each year.
Here are some more facts and figures about postnatal depression …
Chat with other parents and find support for postnatal depression in our forum.
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The Bub Hub is proud to support PANDA
If you – or anyone you know – is struggling with perinatal anxiety or depression, you can call PANDA’s free National Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Helpline (1300 726 306). The service offers counselling, information and referral services with ongoing telephone support for families throughout Australia. The helpline operates Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7:30pm EST.