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What Employers and Coworkers can do?

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Postpartum depression and anxiety can make it harder for new parents to get through their regular work duties. Your support as an employer and co-worker could make a real difference to new parents. Help them to continue working while they get through this time. In fact, staying at work might play a big part in their recovery. Working, whether paid or unpaid, is good for everyone's health and wellbeing.

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Work has many benefits for us all including:

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• Helping us stay active

• Helping us to build confidence and self-esteem

• Providing a sense of community and belonging

• Allowing us to feel that we’re making a contribution to society and our family

• Contributing to our happiness

• Giving structure to days and weeks

• Financial security

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Here are some things you, as a coworker, could do to help:

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• Have a casual check-in – Are you ok? How’s your workload? How are your energy levels?

• Go for a walk together at lunchtime

• Make sure they eat a healthy lunch

• Make sure they drink plenty of water

• Keep them connected with their other coworkers

• Be supportive if they need to talk to a manager about their struggles

• Don’t treat them differently, but do not overload them with duties either

• If your coworker (a new parent) shares their thoughts around suicide or self/baby-harm, urgent help is needed. Keeping secrets when it comes to suicide and self-harm can be unhelpful to both you and new parent. Talk with someone else or call a helpline to discuss your concerns.

• Always ask permission to contact services on a person’s behalf however if you feel they are in immediate danger and they won’t give permission you may need to go against them.

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