The Dunedin Scale
Postnatal depression poses a significant public health challenge in New Zealand, affecting the well-being of parents, with approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men experiencing symptoms following childbirth.
For the first time, Penelope is openly acknowledging her own experience with postnatal depression, transcending conversations with her husband. Sensing the timing was appropriate, especially with her youngest about to start school and feeling less overwhelmed by motherhood, she decided to confront it. She drew upon her personal encounter with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a profound failure in her journey. Through the inception of this publication, she addresses her unfiltered experiences and imparts invaluable insights, aiming to spare others from similar hardships.
The Dunedin Scale is inspired by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which assesses new parents' mental well-being. Penelope's connection to Dunedin gives the publication its name. The chapters Heavy, Numb, Sad, Scared, and Hurt each tackle two questions from the EPDS. They blend Penelope and her husband's experiences with insights from a perinatal mental health worker and glimpses of everyday moments from their children's lives. This approach captures the complexity of real-life situations with different viewpoints. Penelope's use of clay in her story reflects her journey through postnatal depression recovery, with a clay imprint symbolising her role as the family archivist.
Engaging in discussions with her husband about his experience has been invaluable. While much of the focus is on the mother's journey, he also encountered significant challenges. Like many fathers, he had his moments of struggle and hesitated to seek help.
The narrative of her children resonates with the experience of many mothers who, in the depths of postnatal depression, worry about the impact on their babies' lives. Penelope aimed to dispel this notion, providing reassurance and hope to mothers facing similar struggles. Taking time to capture the small, joyful moments of her children's daily lives has been immensely gratifying, and she found joy in reading through the transcripts.
She also wanted to incorporate the perspective of a professional working in the field, offering a balanced and comprehensive view alongside personal anecdotes. The interview with a registered nurse specialising in perinatal mental health provided insight and education that she lacked at the time. Her acknowledgment that Penelope’s journey shouldn't have unfolded as it did was profoundly cathartic, validating her experiences and offering a sense of closure.
Despite initially facing challenges in seeking help, she eventually mustered the courage to try again. As this publication developed, she became driven to share her story, determined to ensure others do not endure their struggles alone. It was imperative to her that the book not only recounts her experience but also captivate readers with its visual elements, fostering engagement and resonance.
Raising awareness about postnatal depression is important, as it can greatly benefit individuals by facilitating early recognition of symptoms, facilitating access to appropriate support and resources, and ultimately dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health battles. Through obsessive curation and thoughtful juxtaposition, Penelope aspires for these multifaceted narratives to offer readers a more inclusive and nuanced comprehension of a mother's journey through postnatal depression in New Zealand.
