Fundraising for Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
Perinatal mental health issues affect over 100,000 families across Australia every year, which means that one in five expecting or new mums, and one in ten expecting or new dads, will experience perinatal vulnerability.
Our core purpose at Baby Bunting has always been to support new and expectant parents in the early years of parenthood, and we understand vital role PANDA plays in this mission by supporting parents and families with their mental health & wellbeing.
We’re proud to support PANDA for the 5th year in a row this year in 2024 and will be raising funds and awareness during April and May.
Who are PANDA?
PANDA, Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia has grown from a small community-based organisation and is now a national not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting individuals and families affected by perinatal mental health challenges for 40 years. PANDA strives for a community where perinatal mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are recognised and aims to minimise the impact on parents, children, and families through early detection, support and education.
How does PANDA help families?
PANDA supports people throughout pregnancy up until their baby is 12 months old. The free National Helpline provides a safe and confidential space for any expecting or new parent needing support with the challenges of becoming a parent. They also provide a range of support, stories and resources on their website. For community and health professionals, the PANDA Learning Hub has free short courses you can do learn more about perinatal mental health.
How can I get help?
PANDAs mental health checklists can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help:
Becoming a parent can bring excitement and joy, but also unexpected challenges and a lot of stress. Above all, we want to protect our babies. When the world is experiencing pandemics, natural disasters and global unrest, it can be hard work looking after your own mental health and wellbeing. If you’re also expecting a baby or caring for a newborn, suddenly you're doing double duty trying to manage everything. The pressure can feel intense. Using a combination of different coping skills can help you to manage stress and uncertainty in any situation.