Tuesday 22 September 2009

Peri & Post Natal Depression Help - TV Show

SBS’s Insight program just aired a great and informative show on Peri & Post Natal Depression.

Among many things the show discussed was how the Government are increasing funding for PND screening to hopefully detect it better, which will hopefully help these mothers in need. But it was clear though, that a more holistic approach to tackle the problem is require and equally a more holistic approach once PND is diagnosed. The whole family needs to be treated not just the mother. PND affects everyone in the family unit deeply.

The Show importantly showed a lot from the father’s perspective and how difficult it is for them too. Also, how often a males innate desire to ‘fix’ the problem in most cases doesn’t work, but rather listening more is a better strategy – as well as getting professional help of course. P.A.N.D.A ( www.panda.org.au ) is a wonderful Australian Not For Profit Organisation that you can turn to if you or someone you know has Post Natal Depression.

It was saddening to learn that there are only 7 or 8 Mother/Baby units – which is not enough by a long shot – and they desperately need to be subsidised by the government, as they are unaffordable to most otherwise.

A few ladies who had PND commented on their Post Natal Depression and how Organization helped, saying how it made a difference to “Plan out my days” & it “Helps to create a routine”. I obviously agree with this point, having come up with the idea for the Organize Your Life Organizer after experiencing depression myself and knowing that being better organized would help prevent a relapse. It is also important to remember that everyone has good days and bad days - so to not be too hard on yourself.

If you are like many women who were unfortunately given unhelpful advice from their GP, keep trying – elsewhere if necessary....you aren’t imagining things. Above all the message was you don’t have to suffer in silence – there is help.

For more info got to www.sbs.com.au/insight (They have re-runs if interested in seeing it for yourself.)

Happy Organizing
Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Organizers


For more info about what solutions I have found over the years to help manage depression go to "Solutions for depression"

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Nice post. It is very educative post about the Post Natal Depression. I believe mothers need a lot of help at that particular period. A helping hand is always needed to fight depression. Her husband can really help out in those situations.