Postnatal Depression in words

                                         Join the conversation #bePNDaware

Yesterday on our Facebook page I asked our followers to describe their Postnatal Depression in 5 words. The response was, in my opinion, powerful.

Depression and mental health can be impossible to explain to someone who has never been through it. Maybe just by using some powerful words, we can show others the overwhelming feelings associated with Depression.

What words stand out to you the most? Can you add any other words?

This week is Postnatal Depression awareness week. Let's band together and get the word out there. We might just help others to reach out for help.
Join the conversation #bePNDaware

Thank you for reading,
Christina

 

Join the Conversation #bePNDaware

Join the conversation #bePNDaware

Next week starting on the 18th November is Postnatal Depression Awareness week. There are 4 ways that you can get involved and join in the conversation.

1. Start Talking on Facebook.
Jump on over to the PANDA website here and copy the above postcard to your computer. Then all you have to do is share it on your private page, business page or Blog.

2. Start talking on your blog (If you have one)
Next week on this blog I will only be posting PND topics and I need your help!
What I aim to do is share 'What PND looks like to me'. If you have a picture, a poem, a personal story, or even if you can sum up your experience in 5 to 10 words. Send this through to me here at our email address (mumshelpingmumspnd@gmail.com), with your details (or if you wish to remain anonymous, that is totally OK). The more we have, the more awareness we can raise.
If you have your own blog, you can click here for information on how to link your post and PANDA's blogger guidelines.

3. Let your pictures do the talking on Instagram on Wed 21st November
On Wednesday 21st November we’d love you to share your photos on Instagram with the black and white filter and the hashtag #bePNDaware.
You can find my Instagram web profile here and if you have the Instagram app on your phone, you can search for me via my username mumshelpingmumspndnetwork.

4. Start talking on Twitter
The hashtag for the campaign is #bePNDaware so if you are sharing links or images or talking about postnatal depression then just include this hashtag in your tweets.

4 easy ways to get involved next week to help raise awareness for Postnatal Depression. By sharing you may just reach out to someone to get the help they deserve :-)
How will you be getting involved during Postnatal Depression Awareness Week? Will you be joining us on the blog next week?

For further information please visit the links below
 
http://www.panda.org.au/panda-events/postnatal-depression-week/416

http://www.brandmeetsblog.com/bmb-clients/supporting-panda-postnatal-depression-awareness-week/
http://www.brandmeetsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/PANDA_FactSheet1.pdf

Thank you for reading,
Christina

R U OK?

Today is R U OK?Day - We are encouraged to check in with each other today and ask the question 'Are you OK?', to stop little problems becoming bigger.

Almost 4 years ago I walked into my son's 3 months check up with my Child Health nurse. I was a shell of a person, barely coping and feeling totally isolated from my world.
I had no idea I needed help, I would not have had any idea of how to ask for it, but I needed it badly.

I was very lucky & blessed to meet Christie my child health nurse that day, after checking over my son, whilst glancing at me constantly, she sat down next to me and said "are you alright"? I said "I think so, I'm not sure".
If she had not have asked me if I was OK, I do not wish to think how much worse I would have been. She made me acknowledge that something was wrong, that the little bubble I was living in, was not where I should be.
She saved me that day, saved me from myself, helped me to see that how I was feeling was not 'normal' and I needed help to get out of it.


Such a simple question isn't it? Yet so scary because you just don't know what to do if they say No I'm not OK. And yes the answer is sometimes scary and not straight forward. Since starting Mums Helping Mums PND support Network I have spoken to many other sufferers and most days my computer screen is filled with Mums who are not ok. It's scary and sometimes confronting, but If I and others had not started such support networks, where would these amazing women go when they are not ok?

How to say 'I'm not ok'
(for further info please visit here)

There are many ways you can access support, including:

• Calling a crisis line for immediate help
• Visiting your local doctor
• Talking to someone you trust
• Making an appointment to see a counsellor or psychologist

 Help lines

• 1800 RUOKDAY (7865 329) - This number connects you to five of Australia's crisis and information lines: Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service, Kids Helpline, SANE Australia helpline and beyondblue Info Line.
• PANDA 1300 726 306 - PANDA's telephone information, support and referral service
• Lifeline 13 11 14 - 24/7 telephone crisis support
• SANE Australia - 1800 18 SANE (7263) - Telephone mental illness advice and referrals
• beyondblue - 1300 22 4636 - Info line for depression, anxiety and related disorders.

I'd be totally OK with Hugh Jackman

You don't need to be a professional, just pick up the phone and call family or a friend and check in to make sure they are OK. Open your ears, listen without judgement and be prepared to follow through. A simple conversation could help someone or even save them.

R U Ok? Please comment below or contact me here if you need support today or any day.

• R U Ok?day website
• R U Ok?day Facebook
• R U Ok?day Twitter

Thank you for reading,
Christina