Antenatal depression and postnatal depression are emotional, thinking, behaviour or physical changes during pregnancy or after birth. These changes last longer than 2 weeks and stop you from doing things you need or want to do in your daily life.
Antenatal depression and postnatal depression can take a long time to go away without professional help. Early professional support can help your partner recover sooner.
Rasing Children Network Antenatal and Postnatal Depression: pregnant women and birthing mothers page provides information on:
Antenatal depression and postnatal depression: what are they?
Article outlines antenatal and postnatal depression have the same symptoms as each other, with the only difference between them is the timing.
Antenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy.
Postnatal depression is depression that happens in the first year after birth.
Symptoms of antenatal depression and postnatal depression
Emotional changes
You might:
- be in a low mood a lot of the time
- often feel teary or sad
- lose confidence
- often feel worried about your baby or yourself
- feel scared and panicky
- feel angry or cranky
- feel overwhelmed
- fear being alone or going out
- fear being alone with your baby.
Thinking changes
You might:
- think that everything that goes wrong is your fault, or that you’re worthless or a failure
- think your baby would be better off with someone else
- think ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I can’t cope’
- have trouble thinking clearly, concentrating or making decisions
- think that your baby doesn’t love you
- think about hurting yourself or your baby.
Behaviour and social changes
You might:
- lose interest in activities you normally enjoy
- find it hard to get moving
- struggle with everyday tasks like cooking or shopping
- withdraw from close family and friends
- not look after yourself properly.
Physical changes
You might have:
- sleep problems – for example, you’re sleeping a lot more than usual or you can’t sleep
- changes in appetite – for example, you’re not eating or you’re overeating
- low energy levels.
Getting help for antenatal depression and postnatal depression
There are many people and services who can help your partner and family with antenatal and postnatal depression:
- the national Perinatal Anxiety & Depression (PANDA) Helpline – call 1300 726 306
- your GP
- your obstetrician or midwife
- your child and family health nurse
- ForWhen – call 1300 242 322
- Gidget Foundation Australia – Support
- Australian Psychological Society – Find a Psychologist
- your local community health centre
- QLife for LGBTIQ+ support – call 1800 184 527.
If you believe that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your local hospital’s emergency department.
Treatment for antenatal depression and postnatal depression
Article outlines treatment options for antenatal and postnatal depression such as psychological therapy, medicine and hospital admission.
Practical strategies for antenatal depression and postnatal depression
Article outlines practical strategies to help including emotional support, helping at home, parenting support and looking after your own wellbeing.
Full article on the Raising Children Network can be read by pressing the green Full Article button below!
To learn more about how to help your partner who is experiencing antenatal or postnatal depression head to the Rasing Children’s Network’s Antenatal depression and postnatal depression in your partner: how to help page.
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