Postnatal Depression Awareness Week will now be known as Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) Awareness Week. This change is in response to the importance of recognising and supporting parents’ mental health right through the perinatal period (during pregnancy and after birth). Antenatal anxiety and depression are strong risk factors in developing postnatal anxiety and depression. Early treatment during pregnancy can reduce these risks. We need to consider a parent’s wellbeing across this continuum, rather than viewing these periods as separate.

Up to 1 in 10 expecting mums and 1 in 20 expecting dads struggle with antenatal depression and more than 1 in 7 new mums and up to 1 in 10 new dads are diagnosed with postnatal depression each year. Even more are thought to suffer anxiety. It’s important for expecting and new parents, as well as those around them, to be aware of perinatal anxiety and depression, to know the signs to look out for and where to go for help. Everyone’s experience of parenthood, including perinatal anxiety and depression, is different. However with the right treatment and support, new parents can make a full recovery.

Join us this year in raising awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression in Australia. For more information visit the PANDA website.

Make an appointment to discuss your mental health and anxiety with your doctor today! Call 8038 1070 or book online.