Tomorrow marks the start of Post-Natal Depression (PND) Awareness week. This is not an issue I have experienced first hand however as someone in the health care industry I believe it is vitally important we raise awareness of issues not as widely spoken about it the media so that those who are experiencing signs and symptoms of PND can feel confident in seeking help.
PANDA (the Post and Antenatal Depression Association) is the only specialist national organisation that raises community awareness of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after birth ; and provides support services to families to assist in their recovery. PANDA provides services such as:
- National Perinatal Depression Helpline 1300 726 306- PANDA actively makes follow-up calls and can become part of a care-plan for peopleexperiencing perinatal depression.
- Assistance setting up postnatal depression support groups
- Information, education and training seminars for parent groups and health professionals o National resource and service referral database.
Symptoms can begin anywhere from 24 hours to several months after delivery.
- Sleep disturbance unrelated to baby's sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Crying - feeling sad and crying without apparent reason OR feeling like you want to cry
- Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control, unable to cope
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Fear of being alone OR withdrawing from family and friends
- Memory difficulties and loss of concentration
- Feeling guilty and inadequate
- Tiredness, headaches and pain
- Irritability, anxiety and anger
- Loss of libido
- Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control and unable to cope
- Engaging in risk taking behavior
- Feelings of isolation and disconnection from partner, friends or family
- Withdrawal from intimate relationships and from family, friends and community life
- Increased hours of work as a part of the withdrawal from family etc.
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol instead of seeking treatment for depression
