Perinatal Mental Health Week

12-18 November was Perinatal Mental Health Week in Australia. It's a national week where 56 organisations collaborate to raise awareness and destigmatise perinatal mental health issues. 

Perinatal refers to the time when a woman becomes pregnant and up to a year after giving birth. Up to 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads will experience perinatal depression and anxiety. 

I was 1 of the 1 in 5 mums. 

Over the past year, I’ve viewed with fresh eyes my early motherhood story and challenges. Experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and Luca’s early months is core to my early mothering experience. Acknowledging that brought with it a desire this year to raise awareness of perinatal mental health and the specific services available.

I talk a little about my story and my why here.

I focused on spreading the word locally on the NSW Central Coast. I reached out to our local newspaper who was very happy to run an article about the week, services available and also a little of my story.

I also reached out to numerous businesses and organisations on the Central Coast to see whether I could display the Perinatal Mental Health Week posters somewhere that would get lots of eyeballs. In total, I dropped off 52 posters to be displayed during the week. I sought out a range of businesses to ensure the message wasn’t just visible to mums and dads, but also their village. It's so important that family, friends and the broader community also understand the signs and symptoms, as well as the services available. When they do can play a pivotal role in helping expectant and new parents navigate this challenging time. 

My biggest hope in helping to raise awareness is that any expectant or new parent knows they aren’t alone and that there is support available.