To mark Perinatal Mental Health Week (6-12 November 2022), we interviewed Gabrielle Micallef, a local psychologist, mum and PANDA Community Champion.
Tell us about PANDA.
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
PANDA’s vision is a world where perinatal mental health is understood and valued. The company operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families that provides access to counselling and information to assist with perinatal mental health issues.
What drove you to become a Community Champion for PANDA?
I suffered from a very serious, but treatable condition called postnatal psychosis following the births of both my young boys. I was hospitalised the second time around without my baby and at this stage there were no public Mother and Baby Units in NSW.
My experiences have made me passionate to raise awareness about perinatal mental health and to use my story of pain and recovery to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide a message of hope.
Becoming a Community Champion for PANDA was pivotal in my recovery journey. It gave me increased meaning and purpose and multiple opportunities to advocate as both a mental health professional and lived experience expert in the perinatal mental health space.
What advice would you give parents or expecting parents who are worried about their mental health?
Reach out! To friends and family, see your GP and call the PANDA helpline to chat through any concerns.
What does Perinatal Mental Health Week mean to you?
This week is an opportunity as a PANDA Community Champion to engage in meaningful conversations to help achieve their vision of a society where perinatal mental health is valued and understood and where stigma and systemic barriers to seeking help no longer exist.
We want people to know how and where they can access support and empower themselves to be the best they can be in the perinatal period and beyond.
Not only this week, but through ongoing conversations and opportunities all year, I will continue to share my story on many platforms to increase perinatal mental health awareness, raise funds for PANDA, educate the public and health professionals about the human experience behind perinatal mental health and advocate for improved specialist supports and services for parents and their families.
Tell us about The Magic and Madness of Motherhood Dessert Night Fundraiser.
This yearly event launched in 2017, and is an evening of delectable desserts, expert speakers and community connection to increase awareness around perinatal mental health, indulge in sweet treats, and engage in honest conversation about the joys and challenges of parenthood.
All funds raised go to support the vital work PANDA does.
Learn more about Perinatal Mental Health Week.
The Magic and Madness of Motherhood Dessert Night Fundraiser is on Saturday, 12 November from 7pm at St Mark’s Anglican Church, 429 Crown St, Wollongong. Tickets $40 including desserts, tea and coffee, goody bags. Buy tickets here.
Please contact Gabrielle on 0411 350 114 or gabrielle_pegrem@hotmail.com if you are interested in supporting the event in any way.
