What is perinatal depression?

Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during and after pregnancy. Perinatal depression and/or anxiety affects one in 5 new mums, and up to one in 10 new dads.¹

“This is a time of enormous change,” says PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof. “Mental health and wellbeing can fluctuate a lot during pregnancy and early parenthood. It’s really important you talk about any changes in mood or behaviour with your health care provider.”

Perinatal mental health issues can have a big impact on the wellbeing of the whole family, so it’s important to spot the signs early and seek help.

The perinatal period (pregnancy through to 12 months after having a baby) is a major life transition. It can affect you emotionally, physically and psychologically.

Many people experience:

• physical changes, including hormonal surges that impact mood
• sleep deprivation and other changes to daily function, such as appetite
• relationship changes (with other people, and your sense of self)
• lifestyle adjustments (such as financial, career, and social).

“The earlier we can support a family who are experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, the better the outcomes may be. This isn’t just for the parents, but also for the baby and other children in the family,” says Borninkhof.

“Early intervention may facilitate better long-term outcomes for the individual and family.”

“Research suggests that all parents may be impacted by changes to their mental health. This includes sleep deprivation, changes in their relationships and the challenges of becoming a new parent. When parents are building a relationship with their baby, it may take time for everyone in the family to adjust and find a new ‘normal’.”

It’s normal for new and expecting parents to have good and bad days. However, if your systems are lingering, getting worse or interfering with your daily life, you need to speak to someone about how you’re feeling.

Seek help if you’re:

• feeling worried about your ability to parent your baby in the way you’d hoped
• struggling to come to terms with how your life has changed
• feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

“The severity of perinatal anxiety and depression depends on the intensity, frequency and type of symptoms. It’s also related to how much they interfere with your ability to function in daily life,” says Borninkhof.

Signs of perinatal anxiety include:

• ongoing worries, often centred around the health or safety of your baby
• feelings of dread, being on edge, stressed, nervous or irritated
• physical symptoms of anxiety, including panic
• unwanted, distressing intrusive thoughts
• racing thoughts
• disrupted sleep
• obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviours
• feeling isolated, frightened, or lonely even when with others.¹

Signs of perinatal depression include:

• feeling low, sad and hopeless
• crying often
• mood swings
• anger and irritation
• feeling isolated and lonely, even when you’re around family and friends
• trouble concentrating
• brain fog
• a feeling of disconnect with your family or loved ones
• feelings of worthlessness or shame
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide.¹

Perinatal mental health challenges can affect anyone. However, there are some risk factors which might make you more prone to perinatal anxiety or depression.

These may include:

• previous mental health challenges
• abuse or trauma
• family history of mental ill-health
• stressful life events
• pregnancy or birthing complications
• a traumatic birth experience
• fertility issues
• previous pregnancy loss
• relationship difficulties
• financial stress
• lack of social support.²

Research shows perinatal anxiety and depression is common.

“The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is widely used by GPs, child health nurses and other healthcare providers in the Australian perinatal mental health sector,” says Borninkhof.

If you’re concerned about your mental or emotional wellbeing, please check in with your GP, nurse or healthcare provider. They can help you explore the care options available.

If you think you or a loved one might need help help, check out PANDA’s online mental health checklist.

“The sooner people seek support, the sooner they can start to feel better,” says Borninkhof.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports the mental health of parents and families online and on the phone at 1300 726 306.

Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.

Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support online and on the phone at 13 11 14.