A husband has spoken out to raise awareness about post natal depression in the hope it could save a life after his own wife’s death. 

Stephanie Castellanos, 28, from Dee Why on Sydney Northern Beaches died suddenly on July 13 leaving behind husband Harry Kelleher and their six-week-old daughter Valentina. Police are not treating her death as suspicious.

‘Stephanie loved our [baby] with all her heart, and we loved her more than anything in this world,’ Mr Kelleher told Manly Observer.

Police had issued public alert when Ms Castellanos, who moved to Australia from America, first went missing and another when a body had been found in Curl Curl. 

Mr Kelleher, a former college tennis player, liaised with his wife’s wider family and decided to speak out to let people know Ms Castellanos was ‘a warm, bright light [who] wanted to help this world the best she could’.

Ms Castellanos was being treated for symptoms linked to post natal depression in the weeks before her death, with Northern Beaches Hospital releasing a statement saying it ‘extends our sincere condolences to the family for their loss’. 

According to help service Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) the physiological condition affects one in five new mums and one in 10 new dads, often with their first child but it can also appear after the birth of subsequent children.

Research by the organisation in 2022 found that: ‘Of the callers to PANDA’s Helpline, 63 per cent had not spoken to their partner about how they felt, while 83 per cent had not consulted a doctor or health professional.’ 

Stephanie Castellanos, who relocated to Australia from America, with her newborn daughter

Ms Castellanos’ husband Harry Kelleher said he wanted to raise awareness about the post natal depression in the hope it could save a life

Arabella Gibson is the CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia which also provides support for new parents.

One of the non-profit’s facilities, Gidget House attached to Northern Beaches Hospital, has provided help to more than 1,400 new families since it opened in June 2022. 

Ms Gibson said that Ms Castellanos’ death ‘reminds us that many mums are still not getting the mental health support they need’.

She said the stigma surrounding the condition can often make it difficult to talk about.

‘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,’ Ms Gibson said. 

Symptoms of post natal depression, also called peri natal depression, can include feeling sadness, anxiousness, frustration, irritability, guilt, emptiness, isolation, exhaustion, or an inability to bond with a newborn. 

Fatigue and appetite changes along with too much or too little sleep is also connected – with the symptoms appearing with 12 months of giving birth and persisting for two weeks or more.

Scientific studies have been done showing those experiencing the condition tend to display 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 those experiencing the condition to recognise it and get help and so partners and wider family members should also be on the lookout for symptoms.

New parents can seek help or advice from their GP, midwife or obstetrician, as well as support agencies such as PANDA’s helpline on 1300 726 306 and services offered by Gidget Foundation, including telehealth consultations, through 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 Northern Beaches

‘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,’ she said.

A report on her death will be prepared for the coroner. 

PANDA helpline 1300 726 306.

Lifeline 13 11 14.

13YARN for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support 13 92 76.