That’s the message from author Nicki Jeffery who experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first son and a condition called postnatal psychosis after her second son’s arrival.

Mrs Jeffery made it through her personal storm and is doing her bit to raise awareness during Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness (PANDA) Week.

She was the guest speaker at a community awareness event at the Town Green on November 13.

“I think people need to know there is help and don’t be ashamed,” Mrs Jeffery said.

“It’s a sickness and people need treatment for their sickness and they can get help.”

Mrs Jeffery shares her journey and the experiences of others in her book Encouraging Mums with Hope: Light in the Darkness of Maternal Depression.

Australian research indicates up to one in 10 women will experience depression during pregnancy.

The rate of depression increases to around one in seven in the year following the birth of their baby.

The theme for PANDA Week 2018 is I Wish I Knew.

The PANDA campaign aims to raise awareness among new parents about the key signs to look for and where to go to seek support when they are experiencing anxiety or depression.

The community awareness event on the Town Green, hosted by the Mid North Coast Local Health District, included a parents with prams walk along the breakwall, stalls, guest speakers, a healthy morning tea and a mindfulness relaxation session.

CSU social work student and father-of-five Daniel Pye said men’s mental health issues, especially around parenting and fatherhood, were close to his heart.

He encouraged fathers to ask questions and not to be afraid to reach out for help.

“It’s certainly OK to not be OK,” he said.

“There is no shame in asking for help.”

Mr Pye said men’s mental health and men’s health in general were becoming more recognised issues in society.

What else is making news?

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.