Behind the Mask: The Hidden Struggle of Parenthood16.03.11

I just watched this video over at one of my favourite ‘Mummy’ blogs In Sydney – with kids and wanted to share it here with all of you.

Behind the Mask: The Hidden Struggle of Parenthood is a feature length documentary about perinatal anxiety and depression. I got quite teary just watching this eight minute trailer so I don’t know how I’d go with the full film! I’m pretty sure my hormones are back to normal 4.5 months after giving birth, but the men and women in the film are so candid and emotional, it really takes you by surprise. Plus the animation is so quirky and quickly draws you into the story world.

Apart from a few minutes at the pre-natal classes at the hospital and a sheet with symptoms I didn’t come across much information about post natal depression when I was pregnant. I wasn’t affected by it after the birth of Poppy but I know that hubby was looking closely for the signs, even if he didn’t say anything to me about it.

I’m now even more passionate about this issue as I recently found out a few of my very close friends had perinatal depression after the birth of their children and I had no idea – isn’t that terrible? It just goes to show you how taboo this condition is, but how important that good quality information is provided for the community to help women and men (and their extended friends and family) work through it.

This DVD is a collaboration between PANDA (The Post and Antenatal Depression Association) and the Gidget Foundation and was launched last night in Sydney and I truly hope that many health professionals such as midwives use it to full effect.

Thanks to Seana for putting this video on my radar.

Christie x