News

Reducing stigma, creating awareness of PND

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 06:59:00

Two organisations supporting Mildura families are combining forces to try to reduce stigma associated with postnatal depression (PND) and encourage more sufferers to speak up.

It’s PND week (November 16-21) and Sunraysia PND Support Network and Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) are hosting a combined morning tea on Friday to increase awareness and understanding and build community support networks.
PND affects one in seven new mothers and one in 20 new fathers and the morning tea at the MDAS Community Hall on Friday will hear the personal account of Barkindji woman and now Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion Shantelle Thompson’s battle with PND.
Sunraysia PND Network’s Kassie Hocking said the aim of the morning tea was to support families who were struggling by sending the message that they are not alone.
“Most people who do suffer from PND find it very challenging to talk about, because they think they are weak, or that they should be able to cope,” Ms Hocking said.
“I am a very open person, but even from my own experience, I found it difficult to ask for help.  You fear judgement and you feel that you should be stronger than that and coping better.
“Our aim through the Sunraysia PND Network is to create a strong network of local families who have experienced and recovered from PND, and who can reach out to families with a recent diagnosis.
“The power of hearing personal stories is that it does get the message through to people – that you are not alone, that you are not to blame and that you will get better.”
Ms Hocking said Shantelle Thompson’s story was inspirational and commended her for being prepared to share her experiences with other families.
“The more we are prepared to talk about PND as a society, the easier it will be for people to speak up when they are struggling,” Ms Hocking said.  “It sends the message that we are real people in your community, that PND can happen no matter who you are or what background you come from – that we are speaking up and you can too.”
Everyone is welcome to morning tea at the MDAS HACC Hall at 112 Orange Avenue at 10 am on Friday.  Morning tea and children’s activities will be provided.
Anyone needing help or support can contact Sunraysia PND at sunraysiapnd.org.au