The Pranaiya and Arthur Magoffin Foundation (PAM Foundation) organised the event "An Open Discussion about Postpartum Depression" to educate the audience and raise awareness of postpartum depression. The discussion event comprised a panel of psychiatric experts, Dr. Maddalena Miele-Norton from the UK and Dr. Yadawee Tangtrongpiros, alongside those who have suffered from or been affected by postpartum depression ("PPD"), Khun Ple Jareyadee and Khun Jay Spencer, and Mr. Hamish Magoffin who shared relevant, real-life stories. The event took place at the head office of Sumipol Corporation.
Mr. Hamish Magoffin started the process of setting up the Pranaiya & Arthur Magoffin Foundation ("PAM Foundation") last year after suffering the tragic loss of his wife, Pranaiya Oulapathorn, and son, Arthur Magoffin, to PPD. "Pranaiya was a much loved, devoted mother, and Arthur'e engaging personality brought much joy in the short time that he was with us; the PAM Foundation is being established in their names, and to continue Pranaiya's legacy of societal impact, to address awareness, care, and research into PPD and other peripartum mental health conditions."
According to a recent psychiatric paper that was published by highly regarded journal Nature, PPD is estimated to affect more than 1-in-6 mothers who have given birth globally, and those affected by this condition experience a range of potential symptoms and severity. In addition to the high rate of those suffering with PPD, mothers may also experience a number of other mental health issues associated with and arising before and after giving birth, termed peripartum or perinatal. There is often a large stigma attached to this suffering and many are unaware of their existence. The topic of mental health more generally is all too often viewed as a taboo subject and not discussed openly in public. These add to the suffering of those who are deeply affected by these unfortunate conditions.
"Encouragingly, these mental health issues are slowly starting to be recognised by society and are beginning to be discussed more openly. However current levels of high-quality healthcare
support in Thailand are less than adequate for treating and supporting those affected and their extended support networks. The PAM Foundation is being set up to address three core pillars within PPD and associated mental health illnesses - to build awareness and educate, to provide care and to support research."
The Open Discussion also served as the launch event for the Foundation's first major charitable activity, which will see Hamish participate in the "JOGLE", the infamous long-distance event covering nearly 1,400kms from John o' Groats at the tip of Scotland to the furthest point at the bottom of England, Land's End, in Cornwall. Hamish will run JOGLE over the course of just 17 days and will begin this feat on 18 March 2022 to raise awareness of both PAM Foundation and PPD, in addition to fundraising for the Foundation to allow it to address its three main pillars.
The recording of the Open Discussion, more information on the PAM Foundation and the "JOGLE", as well as details on PAM Foundation's initiatives can be found at www.pamfoundation.org