PANDA Spreads the Word About Anxiety

Our friends at PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) are on a mission to spread the word and remove the stigma associated with perinatal (pregnancy and postnatal) depression and anxiety.

​Pregnancy and early parenthood can be both an exciting and challenging time.  Each year for over 100,000 Australian expecting and new parents, the perinatal period is clouded with anxiety and/or depression. 

PANDA CEO Terri Smith says many parents can feel overwhelmed, isolated or ashamed to seek help, and the PANDA National Helpline hears from people every day who are struggling.
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“ ‘I don’t know what is happening to me’ is a common theme we hear. When parents are prepared to speak positively and honestly with each other it can have such a powerful effect – mums and dads realise they’re not alone in their thoughts, feelings and challenges and can help begin to support each other,” said Terri. 
Perinatal anxiety and depression does not discriminate – it affects people across the community regardless of age, income or geography – and the way people are affected is not black and white. Everyone’s journey to parenthood is unique and different. 

​Equally prevalent and just as debilitating as depression, anxiety has become the focus for this year’s PNDA Awareness week with the name of the week officially changed to incorporate Anxiety. More than 50 per cent of callers to the PANDA National Helpline experience symptoms of anxiety.
Help is available and PANDA is a good first step towards recovery. 

PANDA’s Helpline: 1300 726 306 (operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST). www.panda.org.au ​