Perinatal Mental Health & Post-natal Depression
Both women and men can experience perinatal mental health issues. This article promotes awareness and provides information about perinatal mental health to new and expecting parents.
Perinatal Anxiety
About Perinatal Mental Health & Postnatal Depression
Significant life events, even positive ones, do not always bring us complete joy. For all of us, having a baby is one of the most important life events and requires a rapid adjustment in many areas. Women need to adjust not only to changes in their bodies but also to sleep and other daily routines, financial commitments, relationships, and so on.
Pregnancy and the first year following childbirth are called the Perinatal Period, and this is the time when women are more likely to experience perinatal mental health issues, including postnatal depression. Partners and families may also be affected by this significant event. So, checking if you (and your family members) are okay is essential.
If you are not sure you are coping with adjustment in the perinatal period, take this short mental health checklist for mums.
Mental Health Disorders
Known Risk Factors
What You Can Do About Perinatal Issues
Prevention
If you are not experiencing perinatal mental health issues, but if you identify risk factor(s), then seeking professional and personal support as well as adjustment of routines to reduce physical and emotional stress would be helpful.
Intervention
If you identify some perinatal mental symptoms, then seeking professional help should be the first step. This may include medication, seeing a Perinatal Psychologist, and/or other interventions (e.g., changing working hours, parenting skills training).
One of the most effective evidence-based psychological interventions for perinatal mental disorders is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Emotional Health & Wellbeing Guide
Parenting Skills Training
Learning practical and effective parenting skills may also be helpful, and the following are some of the most commonly introduced programs:
Positive Parenting Program
Learn about the Triple P Queensland program.
Circle of Security
How the ‘Circle of Security’ Model Can Help Us Be Better at Parenting.
Dr Miyuki Ono is a Clinical Psychologist with vast experience working with adults in various settings, including private/public hospitals and the private sector. She treats all age groups and aims to help her clients learn and grow from their experiences. She has a particular interest in helping people struggling with perinatal mental health issues.
Make an Appointment
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