Home - PADA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa

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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS)

The EDPS was developed to identify women who may have postpartum depression

About Us

We are a national charity that provides advocacy and awareness through training and facilitating connections and tools for health care providers who are supporting families with anxiety & depression due to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.

There was no national umbrella organisation for perinatal mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand. A brainstorming day held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in June 2009 was attended by 30 representatives from a range of agencies and organisations connected with perinatal distress issues around Aotearoa New Zealand. They identified interests in, aims and objectives for a national networking group for Perinatal Distress. The Perinatal Mental Health New Zealand Trust (PMHNZ) was born, becoming PADA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa in 2015, and honouring our Te Tiriti commitment with Te mate Tuatea, me te mate Pōuri o Aotearoa in 2020.

Our Mission

Championing awareness and facilitating best practices in perinatal mental health and wellbeing to ensure all families and whānau have equitable access to appropriate information and support.

Eliminating the Stigma Around

Perinatal Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

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Featured Topics

Antenatal Depression

What is It? When anxiety or depression occurs during pregnancy it is referred to as antenatal depression or antenatal anxiety. Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression. Anxiety is thought to be as common, and many parents experience anxiety and depression at the same time. It is normal to experience a degree of anxiety and…

Postnatal Depression

What is It? Everybody feels down from time to time but depressive illness is more than that. It is when several symptoms occur over the same time period. PND is very similar to clinical depression occurring at any other time except that there is the added complication of a baby (or two!). PND can range…

Depression in Fathers

What is it? The arrival of a baby is a time of huge change not just for mothers, but also for fathers. Fathers can be forgotten as mother and baby can receive most of the attention. A baby can bring great joy but may also add unpredictable stresses to the family. About 10% of men…

Family/Whānau Support

The arrival of a baby into a family can affect many people, not only the parents. The new baby may have special significance for grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and the extended family/whānau. What is important? The significance of the baby in a family is influenced by many factors such as: The culture the baby is…

Family/Whānau Support – How to support a mother

How to support a mother Listen quietly but with interest. Try to understand – it’s hard for someone who is depressed or anxious to explain how they feel. Avoid judging or getting angry – it’s no ones fault. Be there (this means to be emotionally available as well as physically present)…

Family/Whānau Support – How to support a father

How to support a father. Men are less likely to want to talk but encourage them gently if they seem ready for this. For example, offer some openings for them to talk like asking “It can be tough with a new baby – how’s it going?” Partners need to know that they are not failing their baby or…