Perinatal Anxiety and Depression -PANDA is a non-governmental organisation which has provided mental health services for expecting or new parents for over 3 decades.
PANDA's recent study found that 9 out of 10 new parents are pretending that they don't have issue with mental health. Over have of Australian wish that they can do something to help these new parents but are struggling to so do and they suggested that mental health issue in these parents should be closely monitored.
Terri Smith said that her organisation has just launched the new mental health checklists so that, expecting mum and dad, new mum and new dad as well as new mum and new dad along with their partners, families and carers can go online to panda.org.au. and have a check if they experiencing mental health problem.
You can listen to Terri Smith, PANDA's CEO full interview here: https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/services/embeds/audioplayer/1932daa5-0b18-46ef-84ea-941f6885d5e2
She also would like these parents to call PANDA's helpline at 1300 726 306 which parents can call 24/7 and interpreting services are also provided. But best of all, this services is free. And if you want interpreting services you can call the Translating and Interpreting Services on 131 450.
The reason why there are new checklist is because PANDA wants Australian would be or new parents to talk more about their mental health issues, to open up a conversation and finally hopefully seeking help.
Ms. Smith recognized that there are still lots of stigmas in regards to mental health issues and it is a very sensitive issues to talk about, however, she wants people to reach out to these parents and tell them that they are worry about them. She wants everyone of us to encourage these expecting or new parents to open up and talk about it or at least to go and do the checklist to see if they are okay. If they don't want to talk about it, it is OK.
