CONTENT WARNING: the following article discusses themes and events that could be particularly distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. New parents experiencing concerning emotional symptoms can call Gidget House on 1300 851 758 to book an appointment or view their website for the services they provide. Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7.
Last month, on 13 July, Dee Why new mum Stephanie Castellanos died suddenly in Curl Curl, leaving behind her husband Harry Kelleher and their six week old daughter. Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Ordinarily, an incident of suspected self-harm would not be publicly known or written about, but this caught public attention because police issued a public news alert hours earlier when the 28-year-old first went missing, and mentioned that she had recently given birth. They also reported when the body had been discovered by the public, ergo so did we.
We share a snippet of Stephanie’s story today with the explicit and express permission of her husband, who also liaised with her wider family. He hopes to save a life by raising awareness of Post Natal Depression, and tell the world what a beautiful human we have lost. Her friends hope the community will also rally behind Harry and his daughter to support them so we he can take time to grieve and adjust to his new challenges.
“The death of Stephanie Castellanos reminds us that many mums are still not getting the mental health support they need.”
Stephanie was being treated for symptoms relating to Post Natal Depression leading up to her passing. A Northern Beaches Hospital spokesperson stated, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family for their loss. As the matter has been referred to the Coroner, it is not appropriate to comment.”
Perinatal mental health on the Northern Beaches
Gidget Foundation Australia is a non-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents.
Their statistics show that one in five new mums, and one in ten new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA).
Since opening Gidget House at Northern Beaches Hospital in June 2022, they have provided support to more than 1,400 new parents, with new mums making up the majority of referrals.
“Our hearts go out to Stephanie’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we acknowledge the wider impact of grief and loss among friends, colleagues and the Northern Beaches community,” said Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia.
“The death of Stephanie Castellanos reminds us that many mums are still not getting the mental health support they need.”
She explained that to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of PNDA, we need to talk about perinatal mental health disorders, from the signs, the symptoms and the support services available.
“Early intervention for perinatal mental health issues can improve recovery, so we encourage parents to seek support as soon as they notice any signs or symptoms of PNDA,” Gibson added.
Symptoms of PNDA can include feeling sad, anxious or irritable, feeling disconnected or isolated from others, or noticing physical symptoms like tearfulness, and changes in appetite, sleep or energy levels.
Gibson added that sometimes parents can find it hard to self-recognise the above symptoms and encouraged friends and family who notice these symptoms to reach out to the parent and encourage them to see their GP, midwife, or other healthcare provider for professional advice.
Gidget House provides up to 10 Medicare bulk-billed, psychological counselling sessions per calendar year for expectant and new parents (Gidget House supports parents from conception to well after the birth of their child). To access this service, parents need a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan. Parents can also call Gidget House on 1300 851 758 to book an appointment or view their website for the services they provide.
Gidget Foundation Australia is named after Gidget, the nickname of a young mother from the Northern Beaches, who took her own life while suffering from unrecognised postnatal depression. She hid her suffering from her family and friends. They created the Gidget Foundation, determined that what happened to Gidget would not happen to others. There are 32 Gidget Houses across Australia.
The recent sudden death of Stephanie Castellanos has reopened the local discussion around post natal distress, and its potentially devastating impacts. None has felt that more than Harry Kelleher who now balances grief with the demands of new parenthood.
“Stephanie loved our [baby] with all her heart, and we loved her more than anything in this world.”
“Stephanie loved our [baby] with all her heart, and we loved her more than anything in this world,” he told Manly Observer.
“She was a warm, bright light in this world that made my life, and she genuinely wanted to help this world the best she could.
“She taught me so much and I will continue to learn from her in heaven with her guidance. She will always be in my heart.”
Chalisa Parekowhai, Stephanie’s friend, reached out to Manly Observer to request we share a link to support Harry and his baby at this difficult time.
Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night. They also provide a 24/7 online chat service or a 24/7 confidential one-to-one text with a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter at 0407 13 11 14.
This article was written by Avi Vince with Kim Smee. Special thanks to LINA, Mindframe, Gidget House and Lifeline Northern Beaches who provided guidance in finalising this report.
