Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) has unveiled a groundbreaking resource in the form of a perinatal online chatbot, offering invaluable support to new and expecting parents around the clock.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in mental health support, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, by providing access to translated mental health resources and audio grounding strategies in 40 languages. Developed in collaboration with Ethnolink, these evidence-based exercises offer crucial support during the perinatal period, which can often be overwhelming and isolating for individuals.
Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA, underscored the importance of early intervention in promoting ongoing mental well-being, emphasizing the significant barriers faced by multicultural parents in seeking mental health support. Language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and limited knowledge of available services contribute to delayed access to support, which can lead to higher rates of acute mental health admissions.
With over seven million people in Australia born overseas, representing nearly 28% of the population, and approximately 3% of the population reporting limited proficiency in English, culturally tailored mental health tools are essential to ensure equitable access to support services.
Borninkhof highlighted the significance of culturally informed resources in delivering safe, accessible, and accurate support to a diverse cohort of Australians. She emphasized the importance of building mental health literacy within multicultural communities and providing accessible information that can be easily shared within these communities.
The newly launched audio grounding strategy offers a five-minute guided breathing exercise aimed at fostering a sense of calm and centredness. Available in languages such as Arabic, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, and Dari, this evidence-based exercise can be practiced anytime, anywhere, providing individuals with a practical tool to manage stress and anxiety.
In leveraging audio content, PANDA aims to make mental health information more accessible and engaging, particularly for those for whom English is a second language. By providing culturally relevant resources, PANDA seeks to empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being and foster a supportive environment within their communities.
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