Sydney dad raising awareness about postnatal depression after wife’s death

Warning: Distressing content. A grieving Sydney dad is raising awareness about a common condition after his wife died just weeks after giving birth.

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August 8, 2024 - 7:14PM

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A grieving husband is raising awareness about postnatal depression in the wake of his wife’s death.

Stephanie Castellanos, from Dee Why in Sydney, died on July 13. The 28-year-old leaves behind husband, Harry Kelleher, and their six-week-old daughter Valentina.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Speaking to theManly Observer, Mr Kelleher said his wife “loved our baby with all her heart”.

Ms Castellanos was being treated for symptoms consistent with postnatal depression in the weeks before her death.

According to parenting help service Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), current research estimates up to one in five women, and one in 10 men in Australia will experience anxiety and/or depression in the peri-natal period.

Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, that also provides support to new parents, said Ms Castellanos’ death is a reminder that “mums are not getting the mental health support they need”.

Stephanie Castellanos and husband Harry Kelleher. Picture: GoFundMe

“Early intervention for peri-natal mental health issues can improve recovery, so we encourage parents to seek support as soon as they notice any signs or symptoms of PNDA,” Ms Gibson said.

Gidget House, part of Northern Beaches Hospital, has helped more than 1000 families since opening in June 2022.

About four in five new mums experience ‘baby blues’ in the first week after having a baby. These feelings are usually due to the hormonal changes that happen after during pregnancy and birth, according to Health Direct. Symptoms may include feeling moody, anxious, tearful or have difficulty sleeping. Although challenging, they usually pass with no major intervention.

In postnatal depression, symptoms last longer than two weeks, may be more severe, and interfere with mum or dad’s ability to function normally.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up friend Chalisa Parekowhai to help with funeral costs and support Mr Kelleher.

“Steph was infinitely kind and was always the first to offer a helping hand and a listening ear. Her genuine care for people, animals and nature made her an absolute joy to be around,” Ms Chalisa Parekowhai said.