Between 5th and 11th September 2016, PANDAS launched and hosted the first Pre & Post Natal Depression Awareness Week (#PNDAW16) in the UK.
It was an opportunity for us to highlight perinatal mental illnesses, the symptoms and how people get the help they need.
Although mental health is being spoken about more than it ever has, pre and post natal mental illnesses are still left in the dark, given that 1 in 10 women and 1 in 3 men battle with these illnesses during parenthood. With your help, by talking about perinatal mental illnesses in its many forms during PND Awareness Week we can ensure that no parent going through these heartbreaking illnesses feels alone in their fight.
Together we launched #PNDAW16 in order to raise awareness to support those currently suffering, to reach those that have yet to become aware that the way they are feeling is an illness, and to urge them to get the necessary support.
During the week, we featured tips and advice for those suffering with pre or post natal mental illness as well as tips for family and friends supporting others. We will also featured blogs written by our supporters, volunteers and service users, highlighting personal experiences and self-care.
It is vital to us that nobody suffers in silence.