Having a baby is supposed to be filled with joy, right? Although a joyous time in many respects, welcoming a new baby into the world can often also bring mental health challenges. Affecting approximately 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads in Australia, you are not alone if you are feeling like your mental health is challenged during this time.
If you find that you are struggling mentally then it may help you to seek support from a perinatal or postpartum depression therapist here at Laburnum Psychology. We have the knowledge and experience needed to support you on your journey. There is no need to struggle on your own. With a tailored treatment plan, we can provide the tools that you need to adjust and recover, enabling a more positive parenting experience for all those involved.
Perinatal depression is a broad term encompassing depression that occurs during pregnancy (antenatal depression) and after childbirth (postnatal depression). In Australia, while “perinatal depression” is the clinically inclusive term, “postnatal depression” is more commonly used in public discussions and searches.
It’s important to recognise that depressive symptoms can begin at any point during the perinatal period, and early identification and support are crucial for the well-being of both the parent and the baby.
Perinatal depression can be serious, however, it can also be well-treated and well-managed. Perinatal depression can be marked by intense feelings such as sadness, indifference or anxiety. Sufferers of perinatal depression might also experience significant changes in energy, sleep, and appetite. Perinatal depression poses significant risks for both parents and children. However, it is a common disorder, with research estimating that about one in seven women may experience perinatal depression.
If you suspect that you’re suffering from perinatal depression, you might be experiencing symptoms such as:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get in touch with a psychologist experienced in perinatal depression management. A good psychologist will draw on experience and evidence based treatments to help guide you in recovering from the symptoms of perinatal depression, and improving your quality of life.
Firstly, a post-natal psychologist will conduct assessments sensitively. These assessments will accurately diagnose perinatal or postpartum depression. By carefully evaluating symptoms, the psychologist will distinguish perinatal or postpartum depression from other potential mood disorders.
A psychologist’s nuanced, detailed approach is vital for developing an effective treatment plan that supports a parent’s well-being. There are numerous evidence-based options for psychological treatment in Melbourne and Victoria.
You can check whether a psychologist might be a good fit for by self-reviewing several factors:
The right perinatal depression psychologist will help you access the right treatment options, facilitating faster and fulfilling recovery.
In summary, meeting with a perinatal psychologist in Melbourne can help set you on the right track. It is perfectly possible to recover from perinatal depression by finding the right techniques and strategies.
Examples of these strategies might include:
CBT is research-based and works by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Individuals will learn to replace their harmful thoughts with healthier alternatives.
Research also suggests that early intervention with CBT not only improves maternal mental health but may also have positive impacts on the infant’s development and the overall wellbeing of the family.
CBT centres around coping mechanisms designed to break the cycle of depression. When effectively delivered and practiced, CBT can enable women to engage fully in day-to-day activities and strengthen their connections to their loved ones. Your psychologist will review your symptoms and recommend CBT as a valuable component of perinatal mental health care where suitable.
Like CBT, IPT is designed to provide individuals with strategies that help them overcome the challenging symptoms of perinatal depression.
IPT helps individuals adapt to changing family dynamics by exploring role expectations, which can assuage a perceived loss of identity. Moreover, IPT focuses on enhancing communication skills; new parents can express their needs and emotions more effectively, leading to better support from their network of partners, family and friends. This can assist in minimising and mitigating feelings of isolation and stress.
These therapies are designed to tackle both the emotional and physical effects of perinatal and postpartum depression. Your psychologist will help you explore the right therapy and carefully track whether it is achieving the desired effects.
To speak to an experienced and accredited postpartum depression therapist, book an appointment with Laburnum Psychology or find out more about our services.
Although many men and women experience perinatal and postnatal challenges, your recovery is unique to you. The treatment that you find most useful might be different to others and that’s why we don’t adopt a one-size-fits-all approach here at Laburnum Psychology. We work to identify the best treatment methods for you and create a tailored plan that is personal to you.
Within our clinic, we offer a range of services that could benefit you including:
…and much more. Using one or more of these approaches, we’ll identify what works best for you and match you with the right professional for your needs. With a large team of psychology experts, we have a wide breadth of experience and you can rest assured that we are here to offer support and guidance.
We are here to create a comfortable and supportive environment where we'll work to achieve the goals together
As part of our treatment options here at Laburnum Psychology, we offer you the choice between face-to-face and online appointments. We understand that as a new or expectant parent, almost all of your time is dedicated to parenting. So whether you are feeling heavily pregnant and uncomfortable or attached at the hip to your newborn, it’s not always possible to head out to a face-to-face appointment.
When you choose our services, you can opt for an online appointment through Telehealth. This service allows you to dial in from the comfort of your own home or another safe space to access the support and guidance that you are looking for.
Perinatal depression is an umbrella term covering both depressive episodes occurring during pregnancy as well as after childbirth. In contrast, postnatal or postpartum depression refers specifically to depression that develops after the birth of a baby.
Both mothers and fathers can suffer from perinatal and postnatal depression. It is relatively common and is not a sign of mental instability or weakness.
Every individual suffers from perinatal and postnatal depression differently, and speaking to an experienced psychologist can help to develop a tailored treatment plan. Consequently, if you believe you could be suffering from perinatal or postnatal depression, seek psychological advice at your earliest convenience.
The symptoms of perinatal depression can closely resemble exhaustion – a common condition for new parents. Exhaustion also leads to low mood, fatigue, difficulty bonding with your baby and changes in appetite and diet. The difference is that exhaustion can be alleviated with rest and support from your network. In contrast, the symptoms of perinatal depression will persist, even during positive life events.
If you are unclear about the state of your mental health, it can be helpful to take a proactive and preventative approach and consult with a psychologist. Having a baby is a major life event, and checking in with a psychologist can never be anything other than a sensible move.
No matter whether you are looking for a perinatal psychologist in Melbourne or a postnatal psychologist, we have you covered here at Laburnum Psychology. Early intervention is beneficial which is why we encourage you to get in touch with our team as soon as you feel like your mental health is being challenged.
Get started today by submitting an online enquiry form or calling our team on (03) 9877 9179. We are ready and waiting to take your call and look forward to hearing from you soon.
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