5 years ago
TIME TO HELP NEW MUMS AND DADS SPEAK OUT ABOUT PERINATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
EMMA MCBRIDE MP
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness (PANDA) Week (November 10 to 16) is an opportunity to speak up about and address this serious problem, according to Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Emma McBride MP.
“There’s a lot of stigma around mental health, and expecting and new parents are no exception,” Ms McBride said.
“Many people are still afraid to talk about perinatal anxiety and depression and misconceptions persist about these serious and common illnesses,” she said.
“Even though these illnesses affect one in five expecting and new mums and one in 10 dads, too many people still don’t know the signs and symptoms, or where to seek help if they’re struggling.
“Too many people delay seeking help.
“Too many people are afraid to speak up and be honest about what they’re feeling because of stigma and misunderstanding.”
PANDA’s theme for the week this year is ‘Let’s Get Real’ and Ms McBride said it was time to create a society where expecting and new parents can be real about their feelings.
“You can help by engaging in open and honest conversations with any expecting and new parents you work with or know.
“There is still a long way to go to raise community awareness about these illnesses and break down the stigma that gets in the way of people seeking help.
“Together, we can make a difference.”
“There’s a lot of stigma around mental health, and expecting and new parents are no exception,” Ms McBride said.
“Many people are still afraid to talk about perinatal anxiety and depression and misconceptions persist about these serious and common illnesses,” she said.
“Even though these illnesses affect one in five expecting and new mums and one in 10 dads, too many people still don’t know the signs and symptoms, or where to seek help if they’re struggling.
“Too many people delay seeking help.
“Too many people are afraid to speak up and be honest about what they’re feeling because of stigma and misunderstanding.”
PANDA’s theme for the week this year is ‘Let’s Get Real’ and Ms McBride said it was time to create a society where expecting and new parents can be real about their feelings.
“You can help by engaging in open and honest conversations with any expecting and new parents you work with or know.
“There is still a long way to go to raise community awareness about these illnesses and break down the stigma that gets in the way of people seeking help.
“Together, we can make a difference.”