PANDA Week – Sonder cares
Raising awareness about perinatal anxiety and depression
They say, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. The phrase was originally an African proverb, taken to mean that it takes a whole community of people to ensure children grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Sonder’s Perinatal Wellbeing Clinical Lead, Elvira Kovacs observes:
In modern times, this phrase can also highlight a lack of community support, a cry for help, and that parents may be feeling lost and isolated for different reasons, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important that we don’t let our ‘villages’ disappear, as they play a crucial role in supporting children and families.
Support services like Sonder and PANDA are also stepping in to fill this crucial gap.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) Week’s 2020 theme “Tell someone who cares” is all about encouraging new parents to reach out when they are struggling, and to remind them that support services are there to help.
What is perinatal depression & anxiety?
Many changes happen to women when they are pregnant and after giving birth.
When it comes to mental health, these changes can leave new and expecting mums feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed.
We call this collection of symptoms ‘perinatal depression’ or ‘perinatal anxiety’.
Perinatal depression and anxiety is very common. At least one in every five women experience anxiety, depression, or both during pregnancy and/or following birth.
Perinatal depression & anxiety is treatable
Sometimes, perinatal mental health conditions will resolve for women on their own, but if things really don’t feel right or don’t seem to be getting any better, it is really important to seek help.
Perinatal anxiety and depression are treatable, with the most common approaches being counselling, medication, or a combination of both.
I think I need help, where do I start?
There are a few options to get started.
You can book an appointment with your GP or another health professional who has been supporting you through your pregnancy.
GPs, obstetricians and child health nurses can facilitate referrals to services like Sonder, with counsellors who are trained in perinatal issues.
The PANDA helpline (1300 726 306) is free and confidential and can put you in touch with experienced perinatal counsellors.
Sonder’s Perinatal Wellbeing program
Perinatal Wellbeing is a program that offers counselling services at no cost for new and expecting mothers.
Sonder’s clinicians will work with you to develop new strategies to manage symptoms and help you to adjust to the life-changing experience of being a new parent.
The program is delivered from Sonder’s Edinburgh North, Port Adelaide and Nuriootpa Centres, and from a co-location centre in Gawler. The program is available to people living in the council areas of Playford, Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt, Gawler & Barossa.
We accept self-referrals, or referrals via your GP or other health professional. Click here to learn how to get a referral via your GP.
Call us on 8209 0700 to discuss your treatment options or click here to learn more about the Perinatal Wellbeing program.