In a poignant tale of loss and resilience, a Sydney woman has become a passionate advocate for perinatal mental health, inspired by the tragic experience of losing a dear friend. Gidget Foundation Australia, a prominent organization dedicated to supporting expectant and new parents, has been at the forefront of raising awareness about perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) for the past 22 years.
The foundation’s namesake, Louise, affectionately known as ‘Gidget,’ faced a harrowing battle with postnatal depression following the birth of her first child at the age of 34. Regrettably, the support she needed was elusive, leading to her untimely demise. Gidget’s family and close friends, devastated by this loss, came together 22 years ago to establish Gidget Foundation Australia, setting in motion a mission to ensure that no parent feels alone in the face of perinatal mental health challenges.
The foundation’s journey began as a local initiative focused on fundraising for parenting support services. However, fueled by unwavering commitment and energy, Gidget’s circle of sisters and friends transformed the organization into Australia’s leading national service provider of free specialist perinatal psychological support services.
Originally founded to address the lack of accessible resources in Gidget’s local area, the foundation has evolved into a national force with 25 Gidget Houses across Australia and 15 more in development. Their comprehensive suite of services now includes telehealth counseling, an innovative workforce training and education program, a podcast series, group therapy, and Gidget virtual villages offering online support.
As the nation observes Perinatal Mental Health Week, Gidget Foundation Australia urges collective reflection on the paramount importance of perinatal mental health and the challenges faced by parents during this sensitive period. The stark statistics reveal that one in five mothers and one in ten fathers in Australia grapple with diagnosed perinatal depression and anxiety each year, impacting nearly 100,000 Australians annually. These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for intervention and support.
More than half of new parents also experience adjustment disorders, emphasizing the inherent difficulty of adapting to parenthood. Perinatal Mental Health Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and support for expectant and new parents, advocating for the availability of mental health resources to ensure that no parent faces these challenges alone.
In a celebratory note, this November marks a significant milestone for Gidget Foundation Australia, with over 70,000 appointments delivered free to over 7,500 families across the country. With a vision to establish 50 Gidget Houses and enlist 230 clinicians by 2027, the foundation continues to grow, driven by an unwavering commitment to its mission.
Through open discussions, increased understanding, and investments in mental health initiatives, Gidget Foundation Australia envisions a future where perinatal mental health is a prioritized aspect of mental well-being. Their journey towards supporting the path to parenthood with compassion and resilience serves as an inspiration for advocates and families alike.
