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 Media centre
Postnatal Depression
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Key facts about postnatal depression
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Postnatal depression is a mood disorder which affects one in seven women who have had a baby, which equates to up to 50,000 women each year in Australia.
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It is an illness, not a character flaw.
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As with depression generally, there are many inter-related physical, psychological and social factors that contribute to PND, which may vary from person to person from time to time.
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Like other illnesses, depression does not discriminate - it can affect anyone, however there are a number of factors which may place women at greater risk of post natal depression, including:
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Having a history of depression
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Depression during the pregnancy
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Partner relationship difficulties
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Stressful life events such as the death of a loved one or moving house
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A prolonged labour and/or delivery complications
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Problems with the baby's health
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Having an unsettled baby
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A lack of practical and emotional support
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A family history of mental disorders
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Postnatal depression is when the 'baby blues' don't go away. The baby blues affects 80% of women usually between the third and tenth day after giving birth, while postnatal depression may develop and persist for weeks or many months, if left untreated.
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It can develop at any time in the first year after a baby is born and can begin suddenly or develop gradually.
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There is growing evidence that women who have depression following the birth may also show signs of distress during the pregnancy.
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Women need to take steps to seek appropriate treatment and support from family and friends. And likewise, family and friends need to be aware, and keep their eyes open to possible signs of distress, which may indicate early warning signs of depression.
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Postnatal depression is treatable given the right treatment, support and time.
Not everyone has the same symptoms, although if a woman is feeling 'low' for an extended period of time she should consult her doctor.
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Symptoms can include:
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Experiencing 'low' moods
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Feeling inadequate and a failure as a mother
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Feeling a sense of hopelessness about the future
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Feeling exhausted, empty, sad or tearful
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Experiencing anxiety or panic
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Fear for the baby and of the baby
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Insomnia, or excessive sleep, nightmares
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Appetite changes, not eating or over-eating
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Inability to cope with a daily routine
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Ideas about suicide
What is beyondblue?
beyondblue: the national depression initiative is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. A bipartisan initiative of the Australian and state governments, beyondblue was established in 2000 with a key goal of raising community awareness about depression and tackling the stigma often associated with the illness. Further information about the work of beyondblue is available on this website.
beyondblue has funded a four year National Postnatal Depression Program looking at the use of a simple mental-health screening tool to identify women who may be at risk of antenatal and postnatal depression. The screening is being conducted nationally from 2001-2005, with 100,000 women expected to be tested. The program provides an opportunity to put in place good practice across Australia, with data collection and analysis which will benefit mental health policy and planning. For the women, it raises awareness of postnatal depression, and for those rated as being susceptible, the chance to take preventative action.
What is beyondbabyblues?
beyondbabyblues: the National Post and Antenatal Disorders Family Initiative is a national consumer and carer reference group that is funded by beyondblue: the national depression initiative. The members of the beyondbabyblues management committee have either experienced a postnatal mood disorder, and/or are deeply committed to educating women and their families about the illnesses. |
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Last updated Thursday, 06 July 2006 |   | 4,544 page views from 07 May 2007 to 03 Sep 2010 |
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