Dear Friend,
As a supporter of PANDA you probably know that perinatal anxiety and depression is more common than many realise. You might even be aware of the statistics: as many as 1 in 5 expecting or new mums affected and up to 1 in 10 dads. Around 100,000 families across Australia are impacted every year.
They’re big numbers, aren’t they? But despite this, there is still a huge lack of understanding and a lot of confusion in the community about this illness. Many people still don’t seek help as quickly as they should and suffer for longer than necessary because they don’t know what’s happening to them and don’t know where to go to seek help.
This is why Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week (12 – 18 November) is so important. It’s an opportunity for us to highlight how common and serious this illness is, increase awareness in the community about the signs to look for and also reduce stigma.
During the Week PANDA will be sharing personal stories about people’s experiences of perinatal anxiety and depression to encourage people in communities all over Australia to share our messages and start conversations about an illness that has for too long been shrouded in stigma and rarely discussed.
Open and honest conversations can help drag perinatal anxiety and depression into the open and acknowledged it for what it is – an illness that can happen to any expecting or new parent. An illness that is serious but treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
As CEO of PANDA I’d like to encourage you and all our supporters to keep those conversations going! Please take a look below for some ways to do that.
Thanks so much for helping us raise awareness this November!
Warm regards,
Terri Smith, CEO
How you can help. . .
Help us spread the word!
In the lead up to Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week (12 -18 Nov 2017) we are going to be sharing stories and important information through social media.
There are still so many people who are unaware of this common illness and we’d like your help in raising awareness. Let’s start a national conversation that can empower people to identify the signs, so that they or someone they love can seek help early.
- Like and share our posts on social media:
Facebook Twitter Instagram
- Post your own stories and experiences via your social media:
Download our graphic
- Keep the conversation going by using our hashtags:
#PNDAawarenessweek #bePNDAaware
Host a Lunch Out Loud!
Create a place for people to come together and talk ‘Out Loud’ about their experiences, challenges and joys in parenthood. Raise awareness and funds for PANDA along the way. Click here for more information and to register your event.
Share PANDA resources:
Download our online resources (factsheets, postcards, posters) and share them amongst your work colleagues or networks.
Thank you!
National Helpline 1300 726 306 Mon-Fri, 9am - 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
panda.org.au | howisdadgoing.org.au
