PND perceptions

This is a bit of a rant from me, but it has really annoyed me.

I have been thinking about how they are handling the PND storyline on shortland street, specifically with Maia leaving her baby alone in the house and going out.  It always seems to me that the media and tv shows etc only ever portray the extreme version of PND - ie abandoning a baby etc. I am not stupid, I know its good for ratings, but I think it kind of glosses over all those women struggling with PND that dont do extreme things, but are suffering none the less.

I think that a lot of people suffer in silence, and dont talk about it, because the perception (not helped by the media) is that if you have PND then you are going to do something drastic like hurt your baby, or yourself. Its not the case, but I know in my case it has really stopped me from talking to people about my PND, because I dont want them over-reacting and presuming I am fruitloop or that O is at risk in some way. I havent even told my family because they are prone to over-reacting.

In some ways I think its good that programmes like Shortland Street are tackling the issues like PND, but I would like to see some more realistic portrayals in the media - like the ads that are always showing about depression, it would be good to see a series about PND. Help to normalise it in peoples minds, help people understand that you can have it and it doesnt mean that you are failure or fruitloop. Help people recognise the signs of it (without looking for the "extreme" signs), help people understand that you can get over it, help people understnad that those with PND will have good days and bad days, it doesnt mean that they are suddenly "cured" if they havent had a bad day for a while.....

Sorry rant over.....

I agree.  It's great that they're showing people with PND on screen and I understand why the soaps need to over dramatise but it would be useful for those that have never experienced PND to know what the signs are (at all levels, not just in the ultra extreme obvious cases).  Having TV ads like the ones currently screening for depression is a great idea.