Perinatal anxiety and depression: the symptoms and the treatments as told by professional psychologists.
The experience of pregnancy, labour and the road after a baby is born are both deeply personal and common among new mothers, and parents.
Pregnancy and birth can bring a range of strong emotions, from joy and excitement to concern and anxiety. It delivers challenges and adjustments, bursts of happiness and bouts of sadness. Sometimes, seemingly from nowhere. Perinatal psychology is one of the most delicate areas of our practice at The Hummingbird Centre because the factors surrounding our patients’ decision to seek professional care are so diverse, and can often be a patient’s first experience with mental health services.
New parents can experience changes physically, psychologically, socially, and financially.
‘Baby blues’
Whatever feeling you have is natural. However, that doesn’t mean it’s one you need to white knuckle through without help. These are often called ‘baby blues’ and affect up to 80% of all new mums. Generally, this will show up as irritability, anxiety, mood swings, sleeping issues (beyond feed time wake ups), melancholy and overwhelm. They occur in the first few days after birth and can last anywhere between two and 10 days.
These feelings are the result of hormonal changes and the MAO-A enzyme that is released after birth. Although baby blues are generally short-lived, it’s important to accept and seek support from your loved ones and even mental health professionals.
Beyond baby blues
When these feelings manifest into stronger, and longer lived emotional responses, it could be time to prioritise seeking advice from medical professionals (such as your GP, OBGYN or Maternal Child Health Nurse) or mental health practitioner (whom you may need a referral for). These feelings could be developing into more serious mental health issues such as perinatal anxiety and/or depression.
For baby blues, there are coping strategies to help you in the moment to alleviate stress as a new parent. They include:
- Prioritise rest and take some time for yourself — we know this seems like an impossible task with a baby needing so much of your mind, time and body. However, if you have support available via a partner or a loved one, take them up on any offers of help that allow you time to rest.
- Try to eat regularly and get some gentle exercise, when able. Even a little stroll around the block will do wonders.
- Be kind to yourself — Nobody is a perfect parent, so let go of unrealistic or unachievable expectations.
- Delegate tasks that can be done by others.
- Talk to trusted loved ones.
- Seek out company or enjoyable activities when experiencing a drop in mood.
- Join a parenting/mother’s group or support group.
Symptoms of a larger issue
Perinatal anxiety or depression can occur quite suddenly or over time, usually in the weeks or months after child birth. The symptoms can be mild to severe, and the range of symptoms that a person experiences can vary. These can include (but are not limited to) persistent:
- Mood swings
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Feeling low, flat, sad, or numb
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Worried, fearful and/or negative thoughts
- Feeling panicked
- Feeling detached
- Shortness of breath, or rapid and/or shallow breathing
- Excessive tiredness beyond newborn sleep deprivation (e.g. not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much)
- Feeling easily angered / annoyed / irritated / frustrated
- Excessive worry about the baby
- Loss of interest in the things that you usually enjoy
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, inadequacy, failure, or hopelessness
- Not feeling attached or bonded with your baby
- Obsessive or intrusive thoughts or behaviours
- Struggling with everyday tasks
- Withdrawing from friends and/or family
- Thoughts of harming yourself (may include suicidal thoughts) or your baby
Postnatal psychosis
Postnatal psychosis is a less common, but more serious condition that can occur even if you have never experienced mental health issues before. It’s fairly indiscriminate and you should see a professional as soon as you can. You can find more information about postnatal psychosis through Panda.
Getting help
Feeling ready to either admit that you need help, or even acknowledge that you are developing symptoms of postnatal mental health issues, isn’t always easy. However, once you have acknowledged your struggles, you can reach out to loved ones if it’s safe to do so, or a medical professional who can help navigate you to treatment options. A great first stop is with your GP. They will be able to provide you with mental health service information in your area, prescribe medication if relevant and offer referrals for mental health professionals. Psychologists or psychiatrists will be able to diagnose anxiety, depression and other conditions so you are best able to work toward a treatment option specific to your needs.
Treatments
There are effective treatments for perinatal anxiety and/or depression. Psychological therapy can help you to understand and address symptoms and improve your mood and wellbeing. Therapy can also help you to put practical strategies in place for support, and assist you to adjust to the challenges and changes that occur with pregnancy and parenting. Your doctor may also discuss options for medication with you, where appropriate.
Addressing symptoms early can reduce the severity and duration of perinatal anxiety and depression.
Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
If you feel like you or someone you know needs help please contact us on 02 4946 0919. Or some other organisations who know how to help include:
PANDA provides information to expecting and new parents, and also has a National Helpline dedicated to perinatal mental health. You can call from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 7:30pm on 1300 726 306. The helpline can also provide an interpreter service and assistance for people with a hearing or speech impairment.
Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Tel. 1300 224 636
