Postnatal Depression Counselling
When a baby arrives it is usually a special time. However nearly 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men experience postnatal depression.
The good news is that with early identification and treatment most fully recover with no long-term effects for themselves, their baby or other members of their family.
The Facts
- Around 15% of women and 10% of men develop postnatal depression. See: stats
- It occurs in all cultures and socio-economic classes and can happen to child-bearing women of all ages
- The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe
- It can begin during pregnancy, suddenly after birth, or gradually in the weeks or months following delivery
- It can happen after miscarriage, stillbirth, normal delivery or caesarean delivery
- It happens mostly after the first baby but can recur after any other pregnancy
Why is treatment so important?
If postnatal depression is not treated you may have unnecessary on-going suffering that affects your emotional well-being and your relationship with your baby.
Other relationships with your partner, family members or friends may also suffer. With early identification and treatment most people fully recover and have no long-term effects.
If you have concerns, speak with your doctor about making a referral to see one of our psychologists. You may also refer yourself to us directly.
If you feel you need help with postnatal depression call us on Brisbane (07) 3352 3577 or fill out our online Request a Booking form and we’ll contact you.
Why seek counselling at Ahead Psychology?
- We have highly experienced psychologists with expertise in providing postnatal depression counselling
- We have appointments available immediately including evenings and Saturdays
- We are in a central and convenient location with plenty of parking available
- We offer a money back guarantee if for any reason you are dissatisfied with the treatment provided.
Do I have postnatal depression? Should I seek postnatal depression counselling?
Postnatal depression is more that the ‘baby blues’, which affects about 80% of new mothers and usually occur between the third and tenth day after birth. Symptoms include tearfulness, anxiety, mood fluctuations and irritability. The ‘blues’ are transient and will pass with understanding and support.
You should consider getting a professional assessment and advice on postnatal depression treatment if one or more of the following apply:
- you continually feel exhausted, depressed, anxious, angry or unable to cope with your baby and daily activities that would normally be easy
- You are always tired but have trouble sleeping, even when your baby is asleep
- Your appetite is disturbed – you feel you have to force yourself to eat or you overeat to cope with anxiety
- your mind is continually racing, small worries consume you
- you are worried that you are not bonding with your baby and/or are not confident about caring for your baby
- you have difficulty in making simple decisions, cry uncontrollably, and feel guilty or inadequate