22nd October 2024

Eleisha Casanas – my experience of the Perinatal Loneliness conference

Ruth Naughton-Doe

Eleisha Casanas is the National Research and Community Education Manager at Friends for Good, Victoria, Australia. She attended the Tackling Loneliness in the first 1001 days conference in September and kindly offered to write about her experiences. When I saw an advertisement for a conference on perinatal loneliness, I was immediately drawn to it. As the National Research and Community Education Manager at Friends for Good, an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing loneliness and social isolation, this topic is close to my heart. Our work focuses on breaking down the stigma surrounding loneliness and providing services particularly for those who are marginalised and vulnerable. Over the past five years, I’ve delved into this space professionally, but I’ve also experienced the personal side of it after starting my own family. Through my journey to parenthood, and from observing the experiences of friends and my broader community, I’ve become acutely aware of the challenges that this life transition brings—especially the unique forms of loneliness it can evoke. Recognising the need for more targeted support, I have been working on a research project exploring perinatal loneliness and began co-designing a service to help people navigating this emotional landscape. Attending the “Tackling Parental Loneliness in the First 1001 Days” event felt like a natural step forward in my journey, and it did not disappoint. The conference was filled with passionate people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared mission to address loneliness during this pivotal life stage. Hearing the wide array of perspectives was a reminder of the universality of loneliness, yet also its uniqueness in how it manifests for each individual. One of the standout moments for me was a video shared by Ruth Naughton-Doe, featuring powerful stories from parents and caregivers. Their lived experiences deeply resonated with me, illustrating the complex and multifaceted nature of loneliness. It reinforced the importance of incorporating these voices into our work. Moving forward, I plan to ensure that the voices and stories of those who experience perinatal loneliness are front and centre in my research and service design. As I left the event, I felt invigorated and eager to continue my work in this space. I’m more determined than ever to push forward, not only through my research but by connecting with others in the community who are equally passionate about addressing perinatal loneliness. There’s clearly a strong collective desire to make a difference, and I’m excited to be part of that movement. There is more information about Friends for Good here: www.friendsforgood.org.au You can connect with Eleisha on LinkedIn.