I can’t relate to people who tell me having a baby is great and how they love every minute of it. I’m afraid and ashamed to admit I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m not enjoying being a mother and I just want to run away from it all!
If you can relate this, you may be experiencing Postnatal Depression (PND).
What is Postnatal Depression (PND)?
Although a large number of women are likely to experience ‘baby blues’ in the first few days following giving birth, these symptoms usually disappear a within a few days. Postnatal depression is characterised by feelings of depression associated with giving birth. Although PND often appears in the first few weeks or months after having a baby, it can also appear in the first 12 months after giving birth.
If left untreated, your PND could worsen. You could become afraid of most things, even being left home alone with your baby could feel like too much. You could have sleep difficulties even when your baby is sleeping well. You could become overwhelmed by everything and become irritable and teary easily. This in turn can negatively impact your relationship with your baby and your partner. Some women experience suicidal thoughts and even thoughts of hurting their baby.
1 in 7 new Australian mums and 1 in 10 new Australian dads experience postnatal depression each year1.
Developing The Right Treatment Plan for you
At Vida Psychology we know how you feel. We have over 17 years experience helping mothers and dads just like you with their Postnatal depression. We take the time to listen to how PND is impacting your life and your family. This empathic listening enables us to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of your PND, triggers, patterns and barriers keeping you stuck. This then assists us in developing a tailored treatment plan especially written for you.
Call us on 9328 3636 to make a time to speak to one of our Psychologists.
Reference: Deloitte Access Economics. The cost of perinatal depression in Australia. Report. Post and Antenatal Depression Association 2012.