Today marks the launch of a campaign that is very close to home for me. It's a campaign to help increase awareness of the rate of Post Natal Depression amongst Aussie mamma's, and the need for further support. I believe that PND no longer has the stigma it once had, and I for one am so grateful that people are talking about it.
1 in 7 new mums will be diagnosed with PND each year and I am one of those. I'm not ashamed or embarrased by this, I don't try and hide the fact and I'm so thankful that I'm part of a wider community of authentic, caring people who can handle mah crazy from time to time.
PANDA (The Post and Antenatal Depression Assocation) has gone live today with the 1 Million Mums in May campaign. Did you know that there is a dedicated National Helpline for mum's who are struggling with PND? At present it is the only one of it's kind in Australia and it's hours of operation are limited by the wonderful volunteers who offer a listening ear and kind words to those who need it most.
Now here's the crunch...
PANDA needs to gain essential funds to enable them to provide 24/7 access to this Helpline. If nothing changes, 93 out of 100 struggling mamma's will miss out on support from PANDA that they desperately need.
Can you help?
Join 1 Million Mums and visit www.millionmums.org.au - there are two way's you can help.
1. Click on the 'Email your local MP' link to send a letter urging Government to prioritise funding for this vital resource.
2. Click on the Donation link to make a donation to PANDA. As little as $1 will help.
For more information here is a downloadable PDF. Print it out, give it to family and friends and urge them to join in!
Download PANDA_Infographic_May_2013
I'm so pleased to be able to support this campaign, and I hope you take the time to give what you can.
You could be throwing a struggling mamma a life-line!