What is Postnatal Depression?

(information taken from beyondblue website)

Perinatal Depression

Adjusting to life as a mother can be difficult. In fact, for many women, having a baby is the most significant life-changing event they will ever experience. Adjusting to this major life change, as well as coping with the day-to-day stress of a new baby, can make some women more likely to experience depression at this time, particularly if they've experienced depression in the past.

Some women may experience depression during pregnancy and this is referred to as Antenatal Depression. Around 10 per cent of pregnant women in Australia experience antenatal depression and it is less common than depression which is experienced after the birth of a baby. Postnatal depression (PND) is the name given to depression that a woman experiences in the months after the birth of her baby. Perinatal depression is the collective term used to describe both antenatal and postnatal depression.

On the beyondblue website there is clear and comprehensive information about PND, including:

• How to recognise the symptoms
• How to help someone
• The risk factors
• The treatments
• How to stay well

To find out more about postnatal depression or to download fact sheets click on the link:

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=94

Alternatively go to www.beyondblue.org.au and follow the Postnatal Depression link on the left hand side of the page.

Another website with very helpful information is the WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit site through the Health Department webite: http://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/health/emotional_health/index.htm

Alternatively go to: www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au and click on services on the top toolbar and select WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit.