Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
motherhood can be beautiful but also daunting..
IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY…YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
Parenthood is a major change and sometimes, a major challenge in people’s lives. It’s quite common and normal to experience symptoms of sadness and anxiety.
THE STATS;
One in ten prenatal women suffer from some form of anxiety and depression. This figure rises to one in seven ladies once given birth. Let’s not forget about the dads out there, with one in ten new fathers also experience a form of depression and anxiety.
It’s time to break the stigma around this very true, real, exhausting illness. So, let’s start by taking a look at what can cause perinatal depression and anxiety…
TRIGGERS MAY INCLUDE:
Everyone is different and so is the way in which we can come to experience anxiety or depression. Some common triggers include:
Trouble with baby or breastfeeding
Being a perfectionist and feeling that you aren’t in control this new addition in your life
Complications during labour
Being a single parent or detachment from family and friends
Juggling “a new way of life”
Feelings of isolation
SYMPTOMS OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION/ANXIETY:
Feeling like you’re a “bad parent”
Can’t cope with everyday tasks
Feeling of sadness
Constantly irritated
Crying for no reason
Unable to sleep
Constantly worried about the baby
WHERE TO GET HELP:
There are plenty of professionals and strategies you can use to help manage and treat perinatal anxiety and depression. Some of these include:
EXERCISE.
Whether it’s structured or just a walk in the park with some friends, exercise can help! Fresh air, exercise and some “you” time can be the one of the most effective and powerful rehabilitation tools available. Chatting to your local exercise physiologist is a great way to get started, especially if you’re new to exercise. They can provide evidence based exercise programs to help combat your anxiety/depression and leave you feeling fit and healthy.
PSYCHOLOGISTS.
Psychologists can provide cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (ITP) which can assist the mother in the postnatal period.
YOUR GP.
General Practitioner may prescribe medication to help reduce symptoms of depression.
SUPPORT NETWORKS.
Find support in the people around you. Good examples include mothers groups, mums and bubs fitness classes, family and friends… The more, the merrier! Plus, opening up about your situation can help you to realise that you’re not alone.
LEARN POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIES.
Do something to help you relax. For example, read a book or take a bath.
PANDA.
Access specialised information and support at PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
WHAT NOW?
We recommend you consult your GP and get a referral to see an Exercise Physiologist. Alternatively, click here to find an Accredited Exercise Physiologist near you.
REFERENCES
BeyondBlue. (2011). Perinatal Depression and Anxiety. Retrieved from Beyond Blue
COPE. (2019). COPE. Retrieved from Symptoms of Perinatal Depression
Reach Out. (2018). Reach Out. Retrieved from perinatal depression