PARENTHOOD

By Anissa Papadakos

PARENTHOOD:― INDISPUTABLY THE HARDEST AND MOST DEMANDING JOB IN THE UNIVERSE. FOR SOME IT CAN BRING THE UTMOST JOY AND HAPPINESS.

A “love at first sight” type of magical moment when Baby arrives. But for others - a polar opposite. Countless days filled with fear and confusion, of dark days and nights, and of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand there are physical challenges:― breastfeeding. For some it comes easily but for others it is a difficult task. “The baby just doesn’t want to latch on”, is a common statement made by many mothers, along with “I am terrible at this, there must be something wrong with me”. As a result, the mother loses faith in her own maternal instincts and her strength begins to dwindle.

These books remind mums and dads within our community who are suffering in silence, that they are not alone and that being strong is being aware of how you are functioning and asking for help when you are struggling.

By speaking up and asking for help, you are EMPOWERING yourself and changing the stigma within our community.

Anissa Papadakos

Anissa Papadakos is an author and artist based in Melbourne, Australia. She lives with her husband and two cheeky children.

Her passion is to spread awareness in regards to pre and postnatal depression and anxiety via two books entitled:― The Brochure Lied and Superdad.

Due to the current challenges in the world, Anissa spreads positivity via Monday Meme Makeover. A weekly post encouraging people to shift their look upon life and the negativity surrounding them. Her biggest belief is that laughter is the BEST drug of choice and a great way to laugh is to read her comic strip - Chop Suey Mama.