Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression refers to the anxiety some women experience in the first year after giving birth to their baby. It may take some time for the symptoms to appear and in the early days can be mistaken for simply being overwhelmed with the reality of new parenthood.
However, as postnatal depression progresses, life can seem to get harder and harder. While in the past it was thought only to affect new mothers, we now know that parents of either gender can experience postnatal depression. Perhaps you don’t feel the way you thought you would about your baby. Maybe you find yourself constantly feeling anxious or guilty about your baby and its needs. Perhaps tears, sleeplessness or irritability have become your constant companion.
These emotions and experiences can be felt by any new parent in the first weeks of parenthood, and are commonly referred to as the baby blues. However, when these feelings don’t pass as we expect, postnatal depression can be the cause.
In this part of our website, we explore postnatal depression in articles suitable for both new mothers and fathers, as well as for friends and family either concerned about or looking to support a new parent. Articles include How do you know if you have postnatal anxiety?, Helping Young Mothers at Risk of Mental Illness, Postnatal depression in men: What are the signs, and how can you help?, How to feel better with perinatal anxiety – during or after pregnancy, and more.
Do you have a story about postnatal depression that you’d be willing to share? We are always looking for new content for this page and nothing supports a new parent more than the words of someone who has been there (or is there). If you have a story to share or would like to suggest a topic around postnatal depression that you’d like to read more about, please email Pregnancy Birth and Beyond.
Postnatal Depression Articles
Postnatal depression in men: What are the signs, and how can you help?
Pregnancy and early parenting are vulnerable times for both parents’ mental health, which is why it’s routine to ask mums about their mental health. But, postnatal depression in men gets far less attention. It’s vital to know the signs of postnatal depression in dads, how to protect their mental health, and where to find help. With the number of dads with postnatal depression being 1 in 10, we owe dads the opportunity to talk about their mental health during
How do you know if you have postnatal anxiety? Signs and symptoms
You know some mothers suffer from postnatal depression but have you also wondered whether you might be experiencing postnatal anxiety? Various studies show that at least 1 in 10 mums develop an anxiety disorder in the first year after birth, and this can perhaps be as many as 4 in 10. Learn about postnatal anxiety symptoms, what’s normal and when to get help. When postnatal anxiety is helpful, and when it’s not Some anxiety, stress and nerves are normal.
How to feel better with perinatal anxiety – during or after pregnancy
If you’re experiencing perinatal anxiety, as many women do, there’s no need to put up with it. Instead of waiting, there are evidence-based treatments to improve your quality of life right now. Some involve seeing a doctor or psychologist, and others you can do by yourself, at home. Cognitive behavioural therapy and other psychotherapies You might have guessed that psychotherapy is a common prenatal and postnatal anxiety treatment. Of all the “talk” therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has the
Helping Young Mothers at Risk of Mental Illness
Young mothers at risk of mental illness and issues will have instant access to expert advice following the launch today of a new mental health awareness online resource by the Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries. Mr Humphries said National Postnatal Depression Awareness Week, which begins today, was the perfect time to launch the innovative website www.ivebeenthere.org.au “The perinatal period - including pregnancy and year following childbirth - is a time of great change for women, their partners and
When Life Takes a Different Path: A Tale of Postnatal Depression
This is a tale of my postnatal depression. In the dead of night in October 2009, I gave birth to my fourth baby. The room was dim, and the air had a sombre peacefulness to it. I had gone nearly two weeks overdue with this baby, and I hadn’t been in a hurry to meet her. In fact, I would have been quite happy to remain pregnant indefinitely. Having three children already, I knew the turbulence, and the highs