New Online Tool Launched To Help Raise Awareness Of Perinatal Anxiety And Depression

Mental health checklists


Article heading image for New Online Tool Launched To Help Raise Awareness Of Perinatal Anxiety And Depression

An online tool is launching today to help new parents and raise awareness for perinatal anxiety and depression.

Both mums and dads will be able to log in and do a quick mental health check, in order to assist in identifying when it may all be getting to be a bit much and some extra help is needed.

The online quiz has sections based on 'body and behaviour', 'thoughts and feelings' and 'relationships', with Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) CEO Terri Smith telling Hit that it can be hard to distinguish between new-parent nerves and something more serious.

And with half of all Aussies who experience anxiety or depression after kids reporting they felt they had to hide it, it could be as simple as checking in with a friend.

"Do what you can do to help them. Often it's important to offer something practical - maybe they'd like you to come to a doctor's appointment, or maybe they'd like you to keep an eye on the baby so they can actually get out and go for a walk," she said.

"It's no different to a physical health issue. Think about how you would help someone if they had broken their arm, and just translate that over to their soul and their mind being a little bruised right now."

If you or a loved one needs assistance, you can reach the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression helpline on 1300 726 306 or email on [email protected].

 

 

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12 November 2018




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