A husband has spoken out to raise awareness of postpartum depression in the hope it could save a life after the death of his own wife.
Stephanie Castellanos, 28, from Dee Why on Sydney’s Northern Beaches died suddenly on July 13, leaving behind her husband Harry Kelleher and their six-week-old daughter Valentina. Police are not treating her death as suspicious.
‘Stephanie found our [baby] “With all her heart, and we loved her more than anything in the world,” Mr. Kelleher said Male observer.
Police had alerted the public when Ms Castellanos, who had moved to Australia from America, first disappeared, and again when a body was found in Curl Curl.
Mr Kelleher, a former college tennis player, reached out to the rest of his wife’s family and decided to speak out to let people know that Ms Castellanos was “a warm, bright light” [who] wanted to help this world as best as possible’.
Ms Castellanos had been treated for symptoms associated with postnatal depression in the weeks before her death. The Northern Beaches Hospital said in a statement that it “sends our sincere condolences to the family for their loss”.
According to the charity Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), one in five new mothers and one in ten new fathers suffer from this physiological condition. Often with their first child, but it can also occur after the birth of subsequent children.
Research from the organization in 2022 found that: ‘Of callers to PANDA’s helpline, 63 percent had not spoken to their partner about their feelings, while 83 percent had not consulted a doctor or health care provider.’
Stephanie Castellanos, who moved to Australia from America with her newborn daughter
Mrs Castellanos’ husband, Harry Kelleher, said he wanted to raise awareness about postnatal depression in the hope it could save a life
Arabella Gibson is the CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, a foundation that also provides support to new parents.
One of the nonprofit’s facilities, Gidget House at Northern Beaches Hospital, has provided assistance to more than 1,400 new families since opening in June 2022.
Ms Gibson said Ms Castellanos’ death “reminds us that many mothers still do not get the mental health care they need”.
She said the stigma surrounding the condition often makes it difficult to talk about it.
“Early intervention for perinatal mental health issues can promote recovery, so we encourage parents to seek help as soon as they notice any signs or symptoms of PNDA,” Gibson said.
Symptoms of postpartum depression, also called perinatal depression, may include sadness, anxiety, frustration, irritability, guilt, emptiness, isolation, exhaustion, or the inability to bond with the newborn.
Fatigue and changes in appetite, combined with too much or too little sleep, also play a role. Symptoms can occur within 12 months after delivery and last for two weeks or more.
Scientific research shows that people with this condition often show altered brain activity in the frontal lobe and a temporary decrease in connectivity in some other areas.
Ms Gibson said it is often difficult for people with the condition to recognise it and get help, so partners and family members should also be aware of the symptoms.
New parents can get help or advice from their GP, midwife or gynaecologist, but also from support services such as the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306 and the services offered by Gidget Foundation, including teleconsultations, via their website.
a GoFundMe has been launched to help Ms. Castellanos’ family by her friend Chalisa Parekowhai.
Mr Kelleher played college tennis in the United States and Ms Castellanos moved to Sydney’s Northern Beaches
“Steph was an endlessly kind person and was always the first to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. Her genuine care for people, animals and nature made her an absolute joy to be around,” she said.
A report into her death is being prepared for the coroner.
PANDA helpline 1300 726 306.
Lifeline 13 11 14.
13YARN for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support 13 92 76.