We are currently in the midst of PND Awareness Week.

There’s no better time to look around at the new parents in your life and ask yourself: “How’re they REALLY going?” (and not just the first-time parents, either!)  Maddy’s story brilliantly highlights the feelings of hopelessness and despair that many parents experience around the time of childbirth, when what they expected was the most joyous and fulfilling time of their life.

Maddy provided us with links to a number of excellent resources which are well worth checking out, especially if you suspect that you or someone you know may have PND. But how can you tell? They could be hiding desperately behind that protective mask!

You could try using a diagnostic questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a simple tool frequently used by doctors to help determine the severity of depression. The signs and symptoms of PND might be present and family or friends may have noticed the person becoming emotionally withdrawn. They could be a new mum or dad but perhaps their baby isn’t even born yet; depression can strike in the antenatal stages too.

If you feel at risk or notice someone else who might be then seek help from a trusted doctor, health worker or a reliable organisation like PANDSI (at Holder, here in the ACT), PANDA, BeyondBlue (which has an area devoted to perinatal depression called BeyondBabyBlues , including  their “Just Speak Up” awareness campaign- loaded with personal stories and videos)or the Black Dog Institute.

One of the most important things you can do is just be aware of Postnatal Depression, which is the whole point of this week’s activities. You can get involved by making a donation to one of the amazing organisations above; attending “More than PND: Understanding Postpartum Psychosis” at 5.30pm tonight, Wednesday, 21 November at the Bradman Room, Manuka Oval (book at trybooking.com/BUZA or call 6287 3961) or by joining in the “Walk for PND” this Thursday 22 November at the Gunghalin Child and Family Centre, 51 Ernst Cavanagh Street, Gunghalin from 10-11.30am.