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    "result": {"data":{"sanityArticle":{"title":"Encouraging people to share their experiences","_type":"article","datePublished":"14 February 2022","header":{"background":{"value":"#236D6D"},"headline":"Encouraging people to share their experiences","text":[{"_key":"d1450b38e01c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"621dda3a195f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Every care conversation with every new and expecting parent needs to include two critical questions: Are you OK? 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You can begin a conversation by:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"28966932abbe","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9caf8f1796aa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Explaining your role"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7f145a825f4a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cbfbdc55b2d70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Asking about wellbeing and safety during each contact (e.g. appointment, inpatient stay, home visit)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7de4a4dcfb08","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e2bb4a8704850","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Encourage people to share by using normalising, non-judgmental language when information about perinatal mental health."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"beca0ce1d08d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a4aeb4beebca0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Use plain language when talking about perinatal mental health and wellbeing."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"questions":[{"question":[{"_key":"8656947b4a86","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6b6ce5fc328a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA Practice Tips: Asking questions"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"5b7fffb038b4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8046a68781fa0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"During pregnancy:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f9c4f5620b78","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"97fb3345eafd0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Perinatal mental health challenges are common - up to 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or in early parenthood. How has your mood been lately?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f69d42e93540","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a60d26e419480","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but we know it can also be hard for lots of reasons. It’s normal to feel mixed emotions. How are you feeling?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f6e0407f8b2e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0ea394dae1a80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“It can be tough when pregnancy makes you feel so unwell. How are you managing? Are you feeling supported by your (partner, family, friends)?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"89fa3d8bcf8d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"405c11042c6c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“When we become parents, it’s common to think back to our own childhood experiences and wonder whether we’ll be like our own parents. I’m wondering what your experience of childhood and being parented was like? Is there anything you hope will be the same, or different for your baby?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"24b0d19cfd80","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"93e83a607e9a0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"After birth:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0f8b21f0a8b9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b758a22c11340","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“There’s always a lot of focus on baby’s health in these early days, but I’m curious to know how you are?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a78afbcb1be7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8b60bffc738e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Having a baby can feel lonely and isolating at times, even if you have people around you. Who provides practical support when you need it? 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You can ask a version of this for settling/sleeping too)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6b76a5fceb11","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a62094f4b9af0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"(If the person is in a relationship) “Shifting from being partners to parents can bring a lot of happiness, but also adds extra pressure to many relationships. How are you and your partner coping?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"370de2e185c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8d92960815380","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Many parents find that months of interrupted sleep can start to take a toll. How are you feeling now that you (3 months, 6 months, 9 months) in to being a parent?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"67ccbcdbb628","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7d8b263ca2ea0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"During the first year:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b03f146c3c39","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7ef2102d05770","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Many parents find that months of interrupted sleep can start to take a toll. How are you feeling now that you (3 months, 6 months, 9 months) in to being a parent?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"number","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dbbc628909d4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ff845d3cc2ba0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Parenting can be quite isolating. Are you managing to get out and see friends and do things you enjoy?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"number","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b7f47cf5edc2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e58723a5825f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“How do you feel you are settling into your role as a parent?”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"number","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"386f84527a9c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4a411fba8a95","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Provide information and resources"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"d51b97a49b5c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1f4c39c5b5b80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Often PANDA Helpline callers tell us that it’s been hard to find quality information about perinatal mental health challenges. Sometimes they felt their own risk factors went unnoticed."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"02a8efee6ac0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6878a3928aab","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Health care providers play a key role in ensuring people have access to evidence-based information about perinatal mental health challenges.\nIdeally, these discussions should happen as early as possible. It could be during conversations about conception, pre-natal health, or during pregnancy. This helps people get support in place when and if they need it\n"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7cee859dca3d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"840246a2c676","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Some helpful resources you can provide include:"},{"_key":"4f0f8793161f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3a22fae1df8a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"512b609ae1f7","_type":"span","marks":["cf9e3a7a4dc7"],"text":"PANDA fact sheets and articles"},{"_key":"f5633960b069","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"da9869ab197b","_type":"span","marks":["c5f1bc9f00bb"],"text":"PANDA Mental Health Checklist"},{"_key":"548bc2d2629e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"1308856ad0a4","_type":"span","marks":["e9bb2d436df9"],"text":"PANDA’s Mental Health Safe Plan"},{"_key":"a6c10ecd9555","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"c82157d7de2b","_type":"span","marks":["84988fc7915d"],"text":"PANDA Parent and Baby Care Plan"},{"_key":"f85c6b544aa6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"c8c63d4beb38","_type":"span","marks":["8e7e060e681f"],"text":"Stories by people who have experienced perinatal mental health challenges"},{"_key":"d64aba26db9e","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"2754d5905c63","_type":"span","marks":["8cc8f191af6c"],"text":"Pregnancy, Birth and Baby"},{"_key":"4f591acaeaf3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"d24585c42e01","_type":"span","marks":["e0ceb23e3677"],"text":"Raising Children Network"},{"_key":"4abc578a9375","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"41a3a10f6683","_type":"span","marks":["815db298d564"],"text":"MumSpace - Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Support"},{"_key":"d2f2babe2f80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"},{"_key":"35f73ad36bd8","_type":"span","marks":["f9ec5eb1c455"],"text":"HOME - DadSpace"},{"_key":"7aa5d056e5c5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"\n"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"c5f1bc9f00bb","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://panda.org.au/checklists/new-mums/"},{"_key":"e9bb2d436df9","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://panda.org.au/articles/mental-health-safe-plans-looking-after-yourself-and-your-loved-ones/"},{"_key":"84988fc7915d","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://panda.org.au/articles/parent-and-baby-care-plan/"},{"_key":"8e7e060e681f","_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"b7ccaec7-2753-4bd2-ab8d-6f8810ea3b4f","_type":"postIndex","_rev":"28Ey2N6aiyTS8vMpxWUdM7","_createdAt":"2022-02-13T23:48:37Z","_updatedAt":"2023-12-18T01:44:57Z","categoryMenu":[{"_key":"dccbb3eab370","_ref":"a4331950-09cf-4e89-9803-5127aa533bc7","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"96f29b0b2388","_ref":"b84de418-c2a8-4c44-b6ef-628f8a1ce593","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"cb83fb24179b","_ref":"c4172819-1756-470d-8628-b5ffa921681e","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"e8316ab3a714","_ref":"f72ed5fd-4128-46cf-b3ca-bdf1ed7b9837","_type":"reference"}],"header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"brightTeal20","value":"#E1F9F7"},"headline":"Real life stories","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","asset":{"_ref":"image-4037d782c612fbfcd8fa30a7dfad0390ddcdb52c-2500x1667-jpg","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"fd8ff5b6e6eb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0099c40788340","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"These are the courageous stories of families who have experienced perinatal anxiety, depression and postnatal psychosis. 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This includes intrusive thoughts of harm, suicidal ideation and other thoughts and feelings that people may find very difficult to share with you, or anyone else."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ebc23abaa691","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"692398a33a83","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If someone in your care chooses to trust you with their experience and story, it's important to listen closely and non-judgmentally to what they are saying.\nThis can encourage an honest conversation. As a healthcare provider, a more complete picture of what’s going on can be invaluable when you are collaborating on a personalised treatment or care plan."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"bd6e7b206493","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"53ca4895767f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Watch and listen"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"563e1c4ab7e0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d89500ba71450","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Often expecting and new parents will present a strong “mask of coping” with their family. friends and healthcare providers. It’s important to be attuned to the signs that someone may not be coping as well as usual, or adapting to pregnancy or parenthood as well as they’d hoped."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e15791f4325d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c8df6afd2f640","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"What to look for: Signs of perinatal mental health and wellbeing changes"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4c9f979f8fd6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b00fddb99e980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You may notice changes to an expecting or new parent’s appearance, such as their body language and nonverbal expression, dress and personal hygiene. 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I miss my old life.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"26fa98c8b25d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ddd4df5712fe0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I can’t seem to switch off – there’s this feeling that something is horribly wrong.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e843117da0c4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1826a24f53610","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“After the birth experience we had, I don’t want anyone else to care for my baby.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"73b4e14e1332","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8aad8ae7a1ff0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I’ve lost my appetite/I’m craving junk food, that usually happens when I’m stressed.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"03b2b16db368","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"99b3577d7ee70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I don’t have words for how I’m feeling. 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Likewise, many people present ‘well’ during healthcare provider interactions but are feeling overwhelmed underneath a put-together exterior."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"01969bef7972","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a7601e6fb5590","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Gently explore all signs of change."},{"_key":"a7601e6fb5591","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" This includes asking the person how they are feeling as the conversation progresses, and allowing space for silence and pauses. Silence can be an opportunity and invitation for someone to share more."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"53bc98d02bc3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02c03ab3227b0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Be inclusive."},{"_key":"02c03ab3227b1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" Culturally-inclusive support allows space for other beliefs and values in your care conversations. For example, in many cultures it’s a measure of respect when people avert their eyes or look down. In Western culture this might be interpreted as someone feeling withdrawn, bored, or anxious."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9cb879ca3c60","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"945320d135210","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Be direct. "},{"_key":"945320d135211","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For example: ‘I notice you keep looking at the floor as we’re talking about (your birth experience, settling baby, your appetite the past few weeks). It’s important to me that you feel comfortable, and I know some things can be hard to talk about. How are you feeling at the moment?’"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"7ce7d371b261","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a73fdd4241940","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Signs of hopelessness or possible suicide ideation"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"ca23936da339","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"673f51f674350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Suicide remains one of the leading causes of maternal death during the perinatal period in Australia. Mental health can also shift rapidly during pregnancy and early parenthood – feelings of hopelessness and despair can quickly change into thoughts of suicide and self-harm."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"906539880d3f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bae7935826ab0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Even if you ask directly if someone is having thoughts of suicide and they answer no, you may hear some of the statements below in your care conversations."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c03c53dafdbe","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5aa93b7ff4e10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If someone in your care expresses sentiments like these, it’s vital that you explore their wellbeing and safety."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cdb701a17650","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a84656649ea70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This may include asking again about suicide in your conversation. Sometimes people take a while to trust that they can share how they truly feel with healthcare providers. If you’re having a respectful, curious, non-judgemental discussion, you may find people choose to trust you with their experience as your care conversation progresses."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6806296baffb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9213696e096e0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Verbal signs of hopeless, despair, possible suicide ideation:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7da3f11c39a1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a629b6f810d90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I feel helpless, I feel hopeless\""}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"90a5f14861ea","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f2c28a00a6650","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“Nothing will change, no one can help me. I’m beyond help.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"68009c8fb8dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f2654279b480","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I just want to sleep all day… and not wake up.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"457042cff693","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7708dcbce1a80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I feel like running away or disappearing.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e02669accb1c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b80364f3b0130","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I can’t ever see things changing. I can’t do this anymore.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3607d8a62e03","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"109e81e8eb1e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I’m such a burden. They would be better off without me.”"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6887738f6492","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"29bc586bf66a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"“I just want this to end.\""}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"8b72c4caa304","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d8dc9aa05566","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA Practice tips: hopeless or possible suicidal ideation"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"c131c0bb8648","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ea99e3c56cfa0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Asking if someone is having thoughts of suicide or hurting themselves doesn’t increase the risk they will act on those thoughts. "},{"_key":"353926211ee3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s often a relief to be asked about thoughts of suicide in a caring, curious and non-judgemental way."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2b72169bbe96","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"22da1300d5e50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Asking about someone’s wellbeing and safety is the foundation of effective, meaningful perinatal mental health care. It really is that simple."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4302c2c1de1c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9d93ec1b5bc60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Focus on being present with the person you’re supporting. Together, you can explore what they need to keep themself and their baby safe for now. Keep providing calm assurance that help is available."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"215584c2f734","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3a0165efa43b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s always a good idea to involve other support people in any risk management care plan:"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"32b0b6ba0756","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"278091ec7c9a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You can try calling the person’s supports and specialist mental health services if you are together, in person or online."}],"level":2,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c3530d676c98","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f9373d481ea10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If it’s between appointments or sessions and you have concerns, we encourage you to reach out directly to the person to provide support if time permits, and seek supervision and/or a secondary consultation as 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