World Maternal Mental Health Day – Mum’s the word

​Wednesday 5 May marked Maternal Mental Health Day which is a worldwide initiative to raise awareness. The aim is to draw attention to essential mental health concerns for mothers and families.  Along with other service providers, GP down south took part in an expo for the community to promote our perinatal mental health services.
 
Maternal Mental Health Day is part of a week long awareness raising  campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy. 1 in 5 women that experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. With an estimated 7 in 10 women hiding or downplaying their symptoms, it is necessary that we destigmatize this type of mental illness. It is important we support our mothers during this difficult period in their lives. Maternal mental health care is needed to ensure the resilience of not only their life but their child's life as well.
 
World Maternal Mental Health Day raised awareness of the lived experience of women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorder(PMAD). The goal is to drive social change toward improving the quality of care for women experiencing all types of PMADs, especially those within marginalized communities.
The event included activities such as mums and bubs yoga, mindfulness, guest speakers and morning tea.
The Western Australia Primary Health Association (WAPHA), have enabled us to upskill all our mental health providers in the South West in perinatal mental health because of an identified need in the South West region,  with ongoing training and specialist support available.