Family Matters

3 Nov 2017

Perinatal anxiety & depression – symptoms, risk factors & how to get support

Health, Kids & Family, Sexuality, Society & Culture

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Perinatal anxiety & depression – symptoms, risk factors & how to get support

I’m a new mum or dad, so I should be feeling this tired, overwhelmed and sad – right?

Perinatal anxiety and depression can happen to any expecting or new parent. It is a serious illness that does not discriminate. 1 in 5 expecting or new mums and 1 in 10 expecting or new dads will experience perinatal anxiety or depression.

Julie Mounter is a general psychologist and joins Family Matters team to discuss symptoms, risk factors and how to get support. And yes you can get help.

Julie’s main area of interest is working with men and women with perinatal depression and anxiety. She’s passionate about spreading the message that Dads matter too! Her Master’s research project investigated the prevalence, current services and the treatments based on evidence that have been shown to help men with perinatal depression and anxiety in Australia.

With around 100,000 Australian families affected by perinatal anxiety and depression every year, this is a common illness as well as a serious one. But you can get treatment and support.

In this podcast we cover:

What is “post-natal” depression and anxiety?
What are some of the treatments available for perinatal depression and anxiety?
What can we do to help prevent perinatal anxiety and depression?
Are there some people more at risk of developing postnatal depression and anxiety than others?
What are some of the risk factors for developing perinatal depression and anxiety?
If I am concerned about myself or my partner, what can I do?

Need support?

LIFELINE – 13 11 14

PANDA – 1300 726 306 Supports women, men and families across Australia to recover from post and antenatal depression and anxiety.

PANDA – How is Dad Going?

Queerspace Drummond Street Services

BEYOND BLUE – Support and advice for anxiety and depression 1300 22 4636

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) This 10 item self-report measure is designed to screen women for symptoms of emotional distress during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The EPDS is not a diagnostic tool and must always be used in conjunction with clinical assessment.

Julie Mounter practices from: