PND Week 14 - 20 November 2010

New campaign launched to highlight close to 77,000 Australians now suffer from postnatal depression. Postnatal depression has become a silent epidemic sweeping across Australia.

PANDA’s CEO Belinda Horton says it is absolutely critical people speak out, with figures showing around 1 in 7 new mothers will have postnatal depression and 1 in 10 new fathers.

She says children of mothers with postnatal depression are at increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders later in life and says many women who experience postnatal depression simply aren’t being identified and are not getting adequate support.

It’s enough people to physically fill 182 jumbo jets. A new national helpline has been launched by PANDA to help women and men in all states and territories who need help with postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression is a silent epidemic dramatically affecting the lives of tens of thousands of Australians warns PANDA – the Post and Antenatal Depression Association.

Its new campaign “It’s OK To Talk About It” aims to help wipe out the stigma surrounding postnatal depression as remarkable figures show close to 77,000 Australians suffer from postnatal depression (women and men), which is enough people to fill 182 jumbo jets.

It is now estimated 1 in 7 Australian women who are new mothers will have postnatal depression and PANDA highlights men are deeply affected too with postnatal depression affecting 1 in 10 new fathers.

For the first time PANDA is now able to help people across the nation in all states and territories with guidance and assistance on postnatal depression and a new national helpline has been launched.

PANDA (a National not-for-profit organisation that has been helping people for over 25 years) urges anyone with concerns about postnatal depression to call the new helpline on 1300 726 306. The line operates Monday to Friday AEST from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. The helpline has been expanded following significant assistance from the Australian Government and the Department of Health and Ageing.

PANDA’s CEO Belinda Horton says it is critical women and men realise people cannot just “snap out of” postnatal depression anymore than they could “snap out of” diabetes, pointing out mental health should never to be a dirty word. It is vital to start talking to somebody if you have issues, if they are not listening, find somebody else.

Belinda Horton warns postnatal depression – if not treated – can take a heavy toll on the new mother and father and can dramatically damage family relationships.

Belinda Horton said, “We’re alarmed that there are clearly a huge number of women and men out there who are suffering in silence and are not getting help. We want to highlight studies clearly show maternal and paternal depression is linked. Postnatal depression can happen to anyone. Society expects people to cope and expects people to think that everything surrounding a new baby should be joyous from start to finish.”

“Of course, any new baby brings huge joy. Nevertheless it’s a huge change for any parent and sometimes anxiety quickly turns to depression. We’ve got to get away from this ‘perfect’ image surrounding parenting because it’s a very big time for people and when reality kicks in, some people may find it very difficult.”

“I get frustrated when postnatal depression is written off as only a hormonal problem, which is nonsense. The issue affects women and men. It’s hard to identify how it happens as there are many factors at play. Symptoms may include crying, anxiety and irritability. One of our huge concerns is that many women and men hide their real feelings and don’t reach out. They often feel powerless and are sometimes concerned someone will take their baby away. Without question, the current statistics only capture part of what is really happening.”

Belinda Horton says people need to realise help is available and there are solutions out there.

Stacey Noble said, “Postnatal Depression had a huge effect on me. After the birth of my son, I just pulled the covers over my head and said ‘I cannot do this’. I spiralled into a dark deep depression and severe anxiety. After getting support and counselling, I have never looked back.”

Lisa Beavan said, “After the birth of my first child I experienced a huge amount of anxiety, insomnia and crying. I felt very isolated. Ultimately I went on antidepressants at around the 15 week mark and they assisted me hugely.”

PANDA says it is vital people trust their instincts and says if you are concerned about your partner’s well-being in any way, contact your doctor or local support services. The organisation highlights that unusual thoughts/speech patterns, behaviour out of character or talk of self-harm or harm to the baby are clear signals Postnatal Depression may be present.

Belinda Horton added, “The fact is Postnatal Depression can be dealt with. There’s a huge amount of help out there. With medical assistance – and in some cases antidepressants – people obviously overcome the hurdles. It’s important if you’re supporting someone with Postnatal Depression, that you are actively involved, provide emotional support, be patient and reassuring and encourage your partner not to bottle up feelings. Obviously helping with housework, cooking dinner and general assistance makes a world of difference. Postnatal Depression is never anybody’s fault, so don’t blame yourself.”

PANDA has been providing counselling, support and information to women, men and their families for over 25 years. The Australian Government is helping to fund the national helpline.
You can phone PANDA on 1300 726 306 or visit www.panda.org.au.