Sometimes the challenges of being a new parent leave you feeling exhausted. Many new parents experience some trouble adjusting to parenthood. Yet a big dip in your mental health at this time can seriously affect your ability to function in daily life and to look after yourself and your baby.
If your thoughts and feelings are worrying you, affecting your daily function or stopping you from enjoying life, you may be experiencing symptoms of postnatal anxiety or depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of, as postnatal mental health concerns are common.
“You’re not a burden. Everyone deserves help. It doesn’t matter how minor or major you think things are. Everyone deserves it. So take help if it’s there. Don’t think you’re not worthy of help.”
Helpful Information
Rachel's story
Postnatal anxiety and depression: Everyone is different
We know that people experience changes to their postnatal mental health in different ways – everyone's experience is unique. The way your mental health is affected after becoming a parent can depend on a range of factors.
Your own genetics and unique emotional, mental and physical traits may play a part, plus external factors like your:
- Birth experience, especially if it was traumatic
- Relationships
- Stressful life situations can have an impact too.
There are also different degrees of postnatal mental ill-health. Some people experience mild postnatal anxiety or depression, while others have more severe symptoms including postnatal psychosis. No matter how unwell you feel, postnatal mental health concerns can affect your enjoyment of being a new parent, your bond with your baby and your ability to function in daily life.
You don’t have to manage everything alone though. The sooner you seek help by talking to someone, the quicker you can begin treatment and start feeling better.
The mild to severe range of postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms means there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health recovery. This means:
- Everyone responds to treatment differently.
- What works well for someone else may not be the best care plan for you.
- Your recovery plan will be personalised and adapted to meet your individual needs as a person and a new parent.
- Your voice matters. You’re the expert on your own life, and your care team will consult you about what might work best for you.
Seeking support
If you’re a new parent worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing, it’s important to seek support from a trusted health care provider.
We recommend you see your doctor first, but it’s also a great idea to speak with other health care providers like your maternal and child health nurse for information and advice.
“Asking for help had been so hard for me to do. But once I let go of that need to be perfect and in control and asked for help, I was actually able to take back control of my life.”
Your doctor can help you understand what’s happening and discuss the best treatment options for you. These might include:
- Peer supports (eg. virtual courses and peer groups)
- Information and access to perinatal mental health resources
It’s also important for your doctor to rule out the possibility of any other physical conditions. Low iron, vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems are some issues may contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, low energy or lack of motivation. Worrisome thoughts and feelings can resolve if identified and treated.
Please remember that if you don’t feel heard by your health care provider or you’re not satisfied with the advice and treatment you receive, it’s always worth seeking a second opinion.
If you’re in any doubt, call the PANDA National Helpline. Our telephone counsellors will listen carefully to your concerns and explore pathways to care with you, including additional referral options if you need them.
Medication in perinatal period
Your doctor might recommend medication to help your mental health, like anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.
It’s natural to have questions and concerns about possible side effects for you and your unborn baby.
“I was initially against taking medication, especially as I was still breastfeeding. They presented to me research done by the hospital to demonstrate the amount of medication that would be transferred. They prescribed the medication and I started taking it and within a few weeks my mindset started to improve.”
Articles
Stories
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.
Helpful Information