These days most people have heard of postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA), but sadly, a lot of people still don't understand it. One of the impacts of this is that parents rarely acknowledge that something isn't right and that they need help when PNDA first begins to surface. This is a big negative for the whole family and tends to come from a place of guilt and shame at not being blissfully happy at a time when nappy commercials tell new parents that they should be. Now, don't get me wrong, bringing baby home can be an really exciting time. It's just important to know that it's also frequently a time of chronic sleep deprivation, figuring out how to feed and take care of this little human you are now charged with keeping alive and adjusting to the new world order in which your previous 9 to 5 role has been replaced by a 24/7 project during which finding time to shower can be highly challenging. Lucky we love them hey! It's really important to know what PNDA is and isn't so that more people feel OK about seeking support when they first notice that things aren't right for them.
What Postnatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) Is
PNDA is experienced by at least 16% of mothers within the first twelve months following the birth of their baby (Beyond Blue, 2011). It is different for every individual but is a collection of symptoms that impacts on how new mums (and sometimes dads) feel and function over a period of at least two weeks or more. These symptoms include:
- low, sad or flat mood
- teariness
- irritability
- obsessive worry
- unnecessary guilt
- negative self-evaluation such as feeling like a failure
- insomnia (not related to being kept awake by the baby)
- reduced or increased appetite
- withdrawing from being around people
- low energy and motivation
- feelings of hopelessness
- fearful of being alone with the baby or of going out with the baby
- feeling overwhelmed
- having difficulty with concentration, memory or problem solving
- feeling disconnected from baby and others
- experiencing thoughts of harming self or baby (if this is happening it does not mean that you will follow through on these thoughts, but it is still essential to seek assistance immediately)
What PNDA Isn't
- the baby blues
- a sign that you are not grateful for your baby
- a sign that you don't love your baby
- a result of something you did wrong
- a permanent state
- something you should just "get over"
- something that you just have to ride out
- no big deal
As parental mental health is associated with healthy development in infants and PNDA has a very good prognosis for a full recovery when treated, it is therefore VERY IMPORTANT THAT TREATMENT BE SOUGHT. Speaking with your GP, obstetrician, family health nurse or a specialist perinatal mental health service such as Balanced Minds Psychology Practice is a great place to start.
If you find that you relate to the symptoms noted above I urge you to seek professional support. Speaking up and seeking help for PNDA doesn't highlight that you are a bad parent. Quite the opposite - its doing what is best for you and your whole family.
Dr Lisa Hodges
Principal Clinical Psychologist, Balanced Minds psychology Practice
