New and expecting parents in the Coffs Harbour area are being encouraged to look after their mental and emotional wellbeing this week, which is Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness (PANDA) Week.
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The PANDA campaign aims to raise awareness among new parents about the key signs to look for and where to go to seek support when they are experiencing anxiety or depression.
The theme for PANDA Week 2018 is ‘I Wish I Knew’.
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Liaison Nurse Louise Finnegan said many expecting and new parents find the realities of having a baby more challenging than they anticipated.
“We know that many parents, looking back, feel that if they had known more and been better able to prepare for some of the challenges they might have been better able to cope,” Ms Finnegan said.
“The PANDA Week campaign theme aims to start conversations about the things parents ‘wish they knew’ before having a baby, and encourage people to seek help early if they are struggling.”
A community information event will be held at the Coffs Harbour Growers Market on tomorrow, Thursday, November 15, from 8.30am to 11.30am and will include an information stall, guessing competition and great prizes.
Australian research indicates that up to one in 10 women will experience depression during pregnancy. The rate of depression increases to around one in seven in the year following the birth of their baby.
For further information, contact Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Liaison Nurse Louise Finnegan on 6588 2786 or emaillouise.finnegan@health.nsw.gov.au
