Perinatal anxiety and depression can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or gradually in the weeks and months after. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are affecting your daily function and mental and emotional wellbeing after your baby's birth, please reach out and to talk to someone.
Do these feelings sound familiar?
It's common to feel exhaustion and anxiety during this period, but if these emotions feel all consuming, you might be dealing with more than just the baby blues. Do you often find yourself:
- feeling completely exhausted, both mentally and physically?
- preoccupied with concerns about your own wellbeing or your baby's health?
- feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of new parenthood?
- worrying about your relationship or how things have changed?
- dwelling on the losses or sacrifices that come with becoming a parent?
If any of these thoughts resonate with you, you’re not alone. These are common feelings for many new parents, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
What contributes to perinatal anxiety and depression?
The transition to parenthood can be stressful, and a combination of factors can contribute to perinatal anxiety and depression. This includes:
- the stress and trauma of childbirth
- difficulties or health problems with your baby
- other stressful life events, like financial pressures or relationship changes
- your personality or history of mental health issues
- being a single parent with minimal support
- ongoing sleep deprivation
- high expectations of yourself as a parent
- past pregnancy loss, which can bring up unresolved grief
- feeling isolated or lacking a strong support system.
These are just a few of the factors that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained.
Recognising the signs and symptoms
Perinatal anxiety and depression can manifest in a variety of ways. Some signs are easier to spot than others, but all are important to address. You may experience:
- lack of energy and persistent fatigue
- difficulty sleeping or disturbed sleep patterns, even when your baby sleeps
- confusion or trouble focusing on simple tasks
- a pervasive sense of low mood or constant anxiety
- frequent tearfulness, even when you don’t understand why
- irritability, often directed at those closest to you
- harsh self-criticism or feelings of worthlessness
- a lack of interest in life, activities you used to enjoy, or even bonding with your baby
- intrusive, unwanted thoughts that you can’t seem to shake
- feeling hopeless about the future or pessimistic about your ability to cope.
If these symptoms are affecting your daily life, it’s time to talk to someone.
How this affects your baby
Your mental health doesn’t just affect you — it also influences your baby. When you're feeling disconnected, it can be difficult to bond with your baby. This bond is crucial for your baby’s emotional and social development, and if you're struggling to read or respond to their cues, it can lead to your baby feeling more unsettled or less responsive.
But remember: it’s not your fault. When you’re not feeling your best, it can be hard to provide the care and attention you want to give. This is a challenge faced by many new parents, and it’s important to seek support early, both for your sake and for your baby’s.
You are not alone
Perinatal anxiety and depression are more common than you might think. In fact:
- 1 in 5 women experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period.
- These are medical conditions, not a reflection of who you are as a parent or a person.
- Partners aren’t immune — 1 in 10 partners may also experience mental health issues during this time.
The good news? There are treatments and support systems in place to help you navigate these challenges. You don’t have to face this alone.
What can help?
There are steps you can take to begin feeling better, even when it feels overwhelming:
- Connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences. Knowing you're not alone can be incredibly reassuring.
- Think about your support network — friends, family or professionals — and how they can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
- Rest when your baby rests. It’s easier said than done, but even short naps can make a world of difference.
- Take time for yourself. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet or a hobby you enjoy, self-care is important.
- Take it one day at a time. Don't pressure yourself to have everything figured out. Small steps add up.
- Speak up when you're not ok. Let someone close to you know how you’re feeling.
- Be involved in your baby’s care — but also know it’s ok to share responsibilities.
- Do something you enjoy, even if it’s something small. A little joy goes a long way.
You deserve support, compassion and the space to heal. Reach out when you need to, help is available and you can get through this with the right support and care.
Health fund information
If you do not have private health insurance, you can be fully covered for an admission to a private mental health facility with only an eight week waiting period from signing up.
If you already have private health cover, but not the gold level required for mental health treatment, contact your health fund and let them know you want to enact your mental health waiver. You can do this once in the lifetime of your policy and be covered within 24 hours.
Where to seek help
Talk to your GP or seek out some of the resources below.
- St John of God Burwood Mother and Baby Unit 02 9715 9200
- Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511
- Lifeline 24 hour counselling 13 11 14
- Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467
- PANDA 1300 726 30
- Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758
- Jade House online referral form
- Beyond Blue
- Black Dog Institute
- For When Program 1300 242 322
