New Family Connections Newsletter Winter 2006 (2)

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Winter 2006

Educating, Connecting and Supporting families in Monash

Talking About Post Natal Depression

Chris Meehan

Post Natal Depression (PND) affects about 14% of women who give birth in Australia.

There are many women out in the community who sometimes find it difficult to access support due to the stigma surrounding depression.

The majority of these women are functioning and managing their daily lives with busy families.

A busy new mum may recognize that she is "not feeling right" but will continue to struggle, reluctant to seek out help.

What is PND?

PND is considered to be a mood disorder that develops after the birth of a baby. It can develop during the first few weeks or months after the birth of the child.

When untreated it can be ongoing and subsequently reappear in ongoing pregnancies and can occur during the antenatal or postnatal periods or develop into a continuing mood disorder.

This is different from the Baby Blues, which affect 80% of women 3 days after the birth. They experience a heightened element of emotional content that generally passes at the 10-day period.

However, most health professionals agree that the biological affect is only part of the story of PND as some people experience a pre-disposition to depressive symptoms due to the affect of life experiences more so than others.

Depression may genetically be pre-disposed through family of origin. A woman may experience symptoms of depression when an imbalance occurs between the negative and positive events. As humans beings we generally relate to the fact that a positive experience is much more fun!

Causes / Triggers

The transitional period to motherhood for a woman is a difficult one, which impacts on her physically, emotionally and socially. After the birth of a child a woman can experience a sense of loss of identity and independence.

The myth of motherhood that women are meant to embrace their new role naturally and easily can often leave a new mum feeling inadequate. In comparison to a career, mothering can be devalued and considered to be an easy "menial job".

However, most mums rightly agree that it is the hardest job in the world because babies do not come with an instruction book! It is an all consuming 24/7, no coffee break, lucky to get a shower, position!

Women who suffer from PND also enjoy mothering and love their babies implicitly.

Relationship difficulties with partner (or others) can also impact on how a woman feels. For example she may feel unsupported by her husband, resentful of the fact that he can escape the house and go to the outside world. Loss of freedom or feeling trapped can be contributing factors.

A sense of isolation for various reasons such as having no family nearby or feeling unsupported can be detrimental to a new mum.Unresolved family issues such as difficulties with their own mother can influence how a woman feels about her own role as a new parent.

A history of trauma or grief and loss, unresolved issues from the past, ongoing illness, a difficult birth where unexpected events happen which leaves a new mum feeling as though she has lost her sense of control can also be triggers for symptoms of depression.

Another factor can be an unrealistic expectation of the self. Women who have been used to an organized structured routine will find the sudden "unorganized" routine that comes with having a baby very difficult and may leave them with a sense of failure or inadequacy in their new role.

A battle will ensue between the expectations and what "should" have been. Sleep deprivation, difficulties settling baby or breastfeeding complications could also be contributing factors for PND.

Symptoms

Anxiety
Anger
Irritability
Lack of motivation
Indecisiveness
Poor concentration
Mood swings
Social withdrawal
Tears/sadness
Affect on sleep
Fatigue
Affect on appetite (either increase or decrease)
Low self-esteem
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Loss of libido

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to provide support through counselling where the cause and triggers for the symptoms of depression are explored. Over a period of time new life skills and strategies are introduced to enable the client to get through these difficult times.

Treatment depends on the needs of the client. Some clients may respond well to Psychological treatment and others may require medication for a period of time. Both work well together.

It is recommended to seek out a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist for advice regarding medication. All health professionals including Counsellors' and Doctors' work together in order to provide the best care available to the client.

There are also community resources available such as the Post Natal Support group at Wavecare which provides support for mothers who may have mild to moderate symptoms as listed above where they can come along, have a coffee in a relaxed, safe environment.

The group also provides a 'Dads Night' where dads are invited along to share their experiences.

Helpful tips

Mobilising support, allowing 'time-out' from mothering and alleviation of the super-woman syndrome
Being realistic and learning to be relax
Involvement of partner, emotionally and practically
Working against negative thoughts
Focusing on positives · Looking at adapting to role change
Group support
Dealing with past problemsEnlisting the support of family, friends and partners during this difficult period is also important.

Chris Meehan is a counsellor with special interest in women who may have PND.

Wavecare Counselling Service is a professional counselling service offering personal, family, child and relationship counselling by social workers and psychologists as well as a range of personal development programs facilitated by professional staff. For more information contact 9560 6722 or 155 Coleman Pde, Glen Waverley.