Postnatal Depression - What Is Helpful?

Postnatal Depression - What Is Helpful?

• Gurprit Ganda
• Jun 6, 2024
• 11 min read

Updated:

Jul 22, 2025

Understanding Postnatal Depression: The Australian Reality

Postnatal depression (PND), also known as postpartum depression, is a significant mental health condition affecting new mothers during one of the most transformative periods of their lives. Far from being a sign of weakness or inadequate mothering, PND is a medical condition that requires understanding, support, and appropriate treatment.

Australian Prevalence and Statistics

Recent Australian research reveals the true scope of perinatal mental health challenges:

• 3.3% of Australian mothers

  experience postnatal depression in major metropolitan areas (based on NSW Health District data)

3.3% of Australian mothers

experience postnatal depression in major metropolitan areas (based on NSW Health District data)

• Up to 20% of women

  experience anxiety, depression, or stress during the perinatal period (pregnancy and first year postpartum)

Up to 20% of women

experience anxiety, depression, or stress during the perinatal period (pregnancy and first year postpartum)

• 6.2% prevalence

  of antenatal depression during pregnancy

6.2% prevalence

of antenatal depression during pregnancy

• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women

  show higher rates (4.2% vs 3.3% in general population)

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women

show higher rates (4.2% vs 3.3% in general population)

• Only 45-55% of affected mothers

  receive a professional diagnosis

Only 45-55% of affected mothers

receive a professional diagnosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian research found even higher rates:

• 26.5% of pregnant women

  reported clinically significant depressive symptoms

26.5% of pregnant women

reported clinically significant depressive symptoms

• 19% of postnatal women

  experienced elevated depression during pandemic periods

19% of postnatal women

experienced elevated depression during pandemic periods

These statistics highlight that postnatal depression is far more common than many realize, particularly in Australia’s diverse population.

Beyond the ‘Baby Blues’

It’s crucial to distinguish between the common ‘baby blues’ and clinical postnatal depression:

Baby Blues (affects up to 80% of new mothers):

• Occurs within the first 10 days after birth

Occurs within the first 10 days after birth

• Mild mood changes, tearfulness, and anxiety

Mild mood changes, tearfulness, and anxiety

• Resolves naturally without treatment

Resolves naturally without treatment

• Lasts only a few days

Lasts only a few days

Postnatal Depression:

• Can occur any time within the first 12 months after birth

Can occur any time within the first 12 months after birth

• Persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months

Persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months

• Significantly impacts daily functioning and bonding

Significantly impacts daily functioning and bonding

• Requires professional support and treatment

Requires professional support and treatment

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Understanding the signs of postnatal

depression

is crucial for early identification and intervention. The symptoms can vary significantly between individuals but typically include:

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent sadness or low mood

  that doesn’t lift

Persistent sadness or low mood

that doesn’t lift

• Loss of interest or pleasure

  in activities once enjoyed, including time with baby

Loss of interest or pleasure

in activities once enjoyed, including time with baby

• Overwhelming feelings of guilt or inadequacy

  as a mother

Overwhelming feelings of guilt or inadequacy

as a mother

• Excessive worry or anxiety

  about the baby’s health or your ability to care for them

Excessive worry or anxiety

about the baby’s health or your ability to care for them

• Feeling emotionally numb

  or disconnected from your baby

Feeling emotionally numb

or disconnected from your baby

• Mood swings

  that feel uncontrollable

Mood swings

that feel uncontrollable

• Feelings of hopelessness

  about the future

Feelings of hopelessness

about the future

Physical Symptoms

• Sleep disturbances

  beyond normal newborn-related sleep loss

Sleep disturbances

beyond normal newborn-related sleep loss

• Appetite changes

  • either loss of appetite or overeating

Appetite changes

• either loss of appetite or overeating

• Fatigue and low energy

  that rest doesn’t relieve

Fatigue and low energy

that rest doesn’t relieve

• Physical aches and pains

  without apparent cause

Physical aches and pains

without apparent cause

• Restlessness or sluggishness

Restlessness or sluggishness

Cognitive Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating

  or making decisions

Difficulty concentrating

or making decisions

• Memory problems

  beyond normal ‘baby brain’

Memory problems

beyond normal ‘baby brain’

• Recurring negative thoughts

  about yourself or your baby

Recurring negative thoughts

about yourself or your baby

• Worry about harming yourself or your baby

Worry about harming yourself or your baby

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Thoughts of death or suicide

Behavioral Symptoms

• Withdrawal from family and friends

Withdrawal from family and friends

• Avoiding baby-related activities or social situations

Avoiding baby-related activities or social situations

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Increased irritability or anger

Increased irritability or anger

• Crying frequently

  or inability to cry at all

Crying frequently

or inability to cry at all

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Help

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate professional support:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Severe confusion or disorientation

Severe confusion or disorientation

• Hallucinations or delusions

Hallucinations or delusions

• Inability to care for yourself or your baby

Inability to care for yourself or your baby

• Panic attacks that feel uncontrollable

Panic attacks that feel uncontrollable

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

Australian research has identified several factors that increase the likelihood of developing postnatal depression:

Demographic Risk Factors

• Cultural and linguistic diversity:

  CALD women show higher rates (8.0% antenatal, 4.2% postnatal)

Cultural and linguistic diversity:

CALD women show higher rates (8.0% antenatal, 4.2% postnatal)

• Socioeconomic disadvantage:

  Lower socioeconomic status increases risk

Socioeconomic disadvantage:

Lower socioeconomic status increases risk

• Young maternal age:

  Particularly under 25 years

Young maternal age:

Particularly under 25 years

• Single motherhood:

  Lack of partner support significantly increases risk

Single motherhood:

Lack of partner support significantly increases risk

• Geographic isolation:

  Rural and remote areas with limited support services

Geographic isolation:

Rural and remote areas with limited support services

Psychological Risk Factors

• Previous mental health history:

  Depression, anxiety

  , or other mental health conditions

Previous mental health history:

Depression, anxiety

, or other mental health conditions

• Lack of social support:

  Weak support networks or family conflict

Lack of social support:

Weak support networks or family conflict

• Relationship problems:

  Poor partner relationship or domestic violence

Relationship problems:

Poor partner relationship or domestic violence

• Unplanned pregnancy:

  Ambivalence about pregnancy or motherhood

Unplanned pregnancy:

Ambivalence about pregnancy or motherhood

• Birth trauma:

  Difficult birth experience or emergency cesarean

Birth trauma:

Difficult birth experience or emergency cesarean

Medical Risk Factors

• Pregnancy complications:

  Gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or other complications

Pregnancy complications:

Gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or other complications

• Premature birth or infant health problems

Premature birth or infant health problems

• Breastfeeding difficulties

Breastfeeding difficulties

• Hormonal factors:

  Particularly rapid hormonal changes postpartum

Hormonal factors:

Particularly rapid hormonal changes postpartum

• Sleep deprivation:

  Severe disruption beyond normal newborn sleep patterns

Sleep deprivation:

Severe disruption beyond normal newborn sleep patterns

Australian-Specific Vulnerabilities

Research in Australian healthcare settings has highlighted particular challenges:

For CALD Communities:

• Language barriers affecting access to services

Language barriers affecting access to services

• Cultural stigma around mental health

Cultural stigma around mental health

• Different cultural expectations of motherhood

Different cultural expectations of motherhood

• Limited culturally appropriate support services

Limited culturally appropriate support services

For Rural and Remote Areas:

• Geographic isolation from specialist services

Geographic isolation from specialist services

• Limited mental health resources

Limited mental health resources

• Reduced social support networks

Reduced social support networks

• Economic pressures related to agricultural communities

Economic pressures related to agricultural communities

For Indigenous Australian Women:

• Complex historical and cultural factors

Complex historical and cultural factors

• Need for culturally appropriate assessment tools

Need for culturally appropriate assessment tools

• Traditional healing approaches alongside Western medicine

Traditional healing approaches alongside Western medicine

• Community-based support models

Community-based support models

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The Gold Standard

Extensive research demonstrates that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for postnatal depression. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 79 randomized controlled trials found that CBT was effective for perinatal maternal depression in both short-term and long-term outcomes.

How CBT Works for Postnatal Depression:

CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. In postnatal depression, negative thought patterns about mothering abilities, self-worth, and the future can create a cycle of depression and anxiety.

Key CBT Components for New Mothers:

• Understanding postnatal depression as a medical condition

Understanding postnatal depression as a medical condition

• Learning about normal adjustment to motherhood

Learning about normal adjustment to motherhood

• Recognizing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Recognizing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Understanding how hormonal changes affect mood

Understanding how hormonal changes affect mood

• Identifying negative automatic thoughts (“I’m a terrible mother”)

Identifying negative automatic thoughts (“I’m a terrible mother”)

• Challenging unrealistic or catastrophic thinking

Challenging unrealistic or catastrophic thinking

• Developing more balanced, realistic thoughts

Developing more balanced, realistic thoughts

• Addressing perfectionist expectations about motherhood

Addressing perfectionist expectations about motherhood

• Gradually increasing pleasant activities

Gradually increasing pleasant activities

• Setting achievable daily goals

Setting achievable daily goals

• Improving self-care routines

Improving self-care routines

• Enhancing social connections and support

Enhancing social connections and support

• Breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps

Breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps

• Developing coping strategies for common challenges

Developing coping strategies for common challenges

• Improving communication with partners and family

Improving communication with partners and family

• Managing practical aspects of new motherhood

Managing practical aspects of new motherhood

• Identifying early warning signs

Identifying early warning signs

• Developing a personal coping plan

Developing a personal coping plan

• Building long-term support networks

Building long-term support networks

• Preparing for future life changes

Preparing for future life changes

Research Evidence for CBT Effectiveness:

Recent meta-analyses demonstrate compelling evidence:

• Short-term effectiveness:

  CBT showed significant improvement (SMD -0.69) compared to control groups

Short-term effectiveness:

CBT showed significant improvement (SMD -0.69) compared to control groups

• Long-term benefits:

  Effects maintained at follow-up (SMD -0.59)

Long-term benefits:

Effects maintained at follow-up (SMD -0.59)

• Anxiety reduction:

  CBT also effective for perinatal anxiety (SMD -0.63)

Anxiety reduction:

CBT also effective for perinatal anxiety (SMD -0.63)

• Multiple formats:

  Effective whether delivered individually, in groups, or online

Multiple formats:

Effective whether delivered individually, in groups, or online

Australian CBT Programs and Services

MumMoodBooster Program

Developed specifically for Australian mothers, this evidence-based online CBT program has been tested in randomized controlled trials. The program includes:

• 9 structured sessions addressing maternal mood

9 structured sessions addressing maternal mood

• Behavioral activation techniques

Behavioral activation techniques

• Cognitive strategies for negative thinking

Cognitive strategies for negative thinking

• Self-esteem building exercises

Self-esteem building exercises

• Partner support components

Partner support components

Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression

An Australian-developed manualized CBT program showing effectiveness in multiple trials:

• Specifically designed for postnatal depression

Specifically designed for postnatal depression

• Culturally adapted for Australian context

Culturally adapted for Australian context

• Available through many Australian psychology services

Available through many Australian psychology services

• Combines individual and group delivery options

Combines individual and group delivery options

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on improving relationships and addressing interpersonal issues that may contribute to depression. For new mothers, this often involves:

• Role transitions:

  Adjusting to motherhood and changing identity

Role transitions:

Adjusting to motherhood and changing identity

• Relationship conflicts:

  Managing changes in partnership and family dynamics

Relationship conflicts:

Managing changes in partnership and family dynamics

• Social support:

  Building and maintaining supportive relationships

Social support:

Building and maintaining supportive relationships

• Communication skills:

  Expressing needs and concerns effectively

Communication skills:

Expressing needs and concerns effectively

Research shows IPT is particularly effective when relationship issues are primary contributors to depression.

Online and Digital Interventions

Given the challenges new mothers face accessing traditional therapy, online interventions have become increasingly important:

Advantages of Online CBT:

• Accessible from home while caring for baby

Accessible from home while caring for baby

• Flexible timing around feeding and sleeping schedules

Flexible timing around feeding and sleeping schedules

• Anonymous and private

Anonymous and private

• Lower cost than face-to-face therapy

Lower cost than face-to-face therapy

• Available in rural and remote areas

Available in rural and remote areas

Research Findings:

A systematic review of 18 studies involving 3,689 women found online CBT effective for postpartum depression, with optimal results when:

• Total intervention duration was 9+ weeks

Total intervention duration was 9+ weeks

• 12 or fewer total sessions provided

12 or fewer total sessions provided

• Professional guidance included

Professional guidance included

• Delivered via website or video conferencing platforms

Delivered via website or video conferencing platforms

Accessing Help in Australia

Medicare Support for Postnatal Depression

Australia’s healthcare system provides substantial support for maternal mental health:

Mental Health Treatment Plans

• Up to 10 psychology sessions

  per calendar year with Medicare rebates

Up to 10 psychology sessions

per calendar year with Medicare rebates

• Higher rebates for clinical psychologists

  ($145.25 vs $98.95 for registered psychologists)

Higher rebates for clinical psychologists

($145.25 vs $98.95 for registered psychologists)

• No out-of-pocket costs

  with bulk-billing providers

No out-of-pocket costs

with bulk-billing providers

• Telehealth options

  available Australia-wide

Telehealth options

available Australia-wide

Perinatal-Specific Services

• Specialist perinatal mental health teams

  in major hospitals

Specialist perinatal mental health teams

in major hospitals

• Mother-baby units

  for severe cases requiring inpatient care

Mother-baby units

for severe cases requiring inpatient care

• Perinatal psychiatrists

  for complex cases or medication management

Perinatal psychiatrists

for complex cases or medication management

• Maternal and child health nurses

  trained in mental health screening

Maternal and child health nurses

trained in mental health screening

Key Australian Support Organizations

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

• National Helpline:

  1300 726 306 (Monday-Saturday)

National Helpline:

1300 726 306 (Monday-Saturday)

• Multicultural support

  available in various languages

Multicultural support

available in various languages

• Online resources

  and support groups

Online resources

and support groups

• Professional education

  and training programs

Professional education

and training programs

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

  specific support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

specific support

COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)

• Evidence-based treatment programs

Evidence-based treatment programs

• Online therapy platforms

Online therapy platforms

• Professional training

  for healthcare providers

Professional training

for healthcare providers

• Research and advocacy

  for perinatal mental health

Research and advocacy

for perinatal mental health

• Multilingual resources

Multilingual resources

Beyond Blue

• 24/7 Support Line:

  1300 22 4636

24/7 Support Line:

1300 22 4636

• Online chat support

Online chat support

• Comprehensive information

  about postnatal depression

Comprehensive information

about postnatal depression

• Find a therapist

  directory

Find a therapist

directory

• Workplace support

  programs

Workplace support

programs

State-Based Services

New South Wales

• Karitane:

  Residential and day programs for mothers and babies

Karitane:

Residential and day programs for mothers and babies

• Tresillian:

  Family care centers with mental health support

Tresillian:

Family care centers with mental health support

• NSW Health Perinatal Mental Health Network

NSW Health Perinatal Mental Health Network

Victoria

• Royal Women’s Hospital:

  Specialized perinatal mental health services

Royal Women’s Hospital:

Specialized perinatal mental health services

• Austin Health:

  Mother-baby units

Austin Health:

Mother-baby units

• Mercy Health:

  Integrated perinatal care

Mercy Health:

Integrated perinatal care

Queensland

• Mater Mothers’ Hospital:

  Perinatal mental health programs

Mater Mothers’ Hospital:

Perinatal mental health programs

• Metro North Health:

  Community perinatal mental health teams

Metro North Health:

Community perinatal mental health teams

Western Australia

• King Edward Memorial Hospital:

  Perinatal mental health services

King Edward Memorial Hospital:

Perinatal mental health services

• Ngala:

  Family support services including mental health

Ngala:

Family support services including mental health

South Australia

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital:

  Perinatal psychiatry services

Women’s and Children’s Hospital:

Perinatal psychiatry services

• Catherine House:

  Specialized women’s mental health support

Catherine House:

Specialized women’s mental health support

Rural and Remote Support

Telehealth Services

• Medicare-subsidized video consultations

  with psychologists

Medicare-subsidized video consultations

with psychologists

• Specialist perinatal psychiatry

  via telehealth

Specialist perinatal psychiatry

via telehealth

• Online support groups

  connecting rural mothers

Online support groups

connecting rural mothers

Flying Doctor Service Mental Health

• Rural mental health programs

Rural mental health programs

• Emergency mental health response

Emergency mental health response

• Training for local health providers

Training for local health providers

Regional Health Networks

• Local health districts

  with perinatal mental health coordinators

Local health districts

with perinatal mental health coordinators

• Mobile mental health services

Mobile mental health services

• Community health centers

  with maternal support

Community health centers

with maternal support

Medication Considerations During Breastfeeding

For some women, medication may be an important component of treatment, particularly for moderate to severe postnatal depression.

Safe Medication Options

Australian guidelines recommend several medications considered safe during breastfeeding:

First-Line Antidepressants:

• Sertraline (Zoloft):

  Minimal transfer to breast milk

Sertraline (Zoloft):

Minimal transfer to breast milk

• Paroxetine (Aropax):

  Low levels in breast milk

Paroxetine (Aropax):

Low levels in breast milk

• Fluoxetine (Prozac):

  Generally safe but requires monitoring

Fluoxetine (Prozac):

Generally safe but requires monitoring

Second-Line Options:

• Citalopram (Cipramil):

  Low levels in breast milk

Citalopram (Cipramil):

Low levels in breast milk

• Escitalopram (Lexapro):

  Minimal infant exposure

Escitalopram (Lexapro):

Minimal infant exposure

• Venlafaxine (Efexor):

  May be used with monitoring

Venlafaxine (Efexor):

May be used with monitoring

Important Considerations

• Consult with your GP or psychiatrist

  before starting any medication

Consult with your GP or psychiatrist

before starting any medication

• Benefits vs. risks

  assessment includes severity of depression

Benefits vs. risks

assessment includes severity of depression

• Breastfeeding continuation

  is usually possible with most medications

Breastfeeding continuation

is usually possible with most medications

• Monitor infant

  for any changes in feeding, sleeping, or behavior

Monitor infant

for any changes in feeding, sleeping, or behavior

• Regular review

  ensures optimal dosing and effectiveness

Regular review

ensures optimal dosing and effectiveness

Non-Medication Alternatives

For mothers preferring non-pharmaceutical approaches:

• Intensive CBT or IPT

Intensive CBT or IPT

• Support group participation

Support group participation

• Peer support programs

Peer support programs

• Lifestyle interventions

  (exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene)

Lifestyle interventions

(exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene)

• Complementary therapies

  (with professional guidance)

Complementary therapies

(with professional guidance)

Self-Care Strategies and Lifestyle Support

While professional treatment is often essential, self-care strategies can significantly support recovery:

Physical Wellness

• Gentle exercise:

  Even 10-minute walks with baby can improve mood

Gentle exercise:

Even 10-minute walks with baby can improve mood

• Nutrition:

  Regular, nutritious meals support brain chemistry

Nutrition:

Regular, nutritious meals support brain chemistry

• Sleep hygiene:

  Rest when baby sleeps, create calming bedtime routines

Sleep hygiene:

Rest when baby sleeps, create calming bedtime routines

• Sunlight exposure:

  Natural light helps regulate mood and sleep cycles

Sunlight exposure:

Natural light helps regulate mood and sleep cycles

Emotional Wellness

• Mindfulness and meditation:

  Apps like Headspace or Calm offer postnatal programs

Mindfulness and meditation:

Apps like Headspace or Calm offer postnatal programs

• Journaling:

  Recording thoughts and feelings can provide clarity

Journaling:

Recording thoughts and feelings can provide clarity

• Creative expression:

  Art, music, or writing as emotional outlets

Creative expression:

Art, music, or writing as emotional outlets

• Gratitude practice:

  Daily noting of positive moments, however small

Gratitude practice:

Daily noting of positive moments, however small

Social Connection

• New parent groups:

  Connect with other mothers in your area

New parent groups:

Connect with other mothers in your area

• Family support:

  Accept help with household tasks and baby care

Family support:

Accept help with household tasks and baby care

• Maintain friendships:

  Schedule regular check-ins with supportive friends

Maintain friendships:

Schedule regular check-ins with supportive friends

• Partner communication:

  Share feelings and needs openly

Partner communication:

Share feelings and needs openly

Practical Support

• Lower expectations:

  Adjust standards for housework and daily tasks

Lower expectations:

Adjust standards for housework and daily tasks

• Accept help:

  Allow others to assist with cooking, cleaning, and errands

Accept help:

Allow others to assist with cooking, cleaning, and errands

• Time management:

  Prioritize essential tasks and rest

Time management:

Prioritize essential tasks and rest

• Professional support:

  Consider hiring help for cleaning or meal preparation

Professional support:

Consider hiring help for cleaning or meal preparation

Supporting a Partner or Loved One

Partners, family members, and friends play crucial roles in recovery from postnatal depression:

How to Help

• Listen without judgment:

  Provide a safe space for expressing feelings

Listen without judgment:

Provide a safe space for expressing feelings

• Offer practical support:

  Help with baby care, household tasks, and errands

Offer practical support:

Help with baby care, household tasks, and errands

• Encourage professional help:

  Support seeking treatment without pressure

Encourage professional help:

Support seeking treatment without pressure

• Learn about postnatal depression:

  Understand it’s a medical condition, not a choice

Learn about postnatal depression:

Understand it’s a medical condition, not a choice

• Be patient:

  Recovery takes time and may involve setbacks

Be patient:

Recovery takes time and may involve setbacks

What NOT to Do

• Minimize feelings:

  Avoid saying “just think positive” or “other mothers cope”

Minimize feelings:

Avoid saying “just think positive” or “other mothers cope”

• Take it personally:

  Remember that withdrawal isn’t about you

Take it personally:

Remember that withdrawal isn’t about you

• Give unsolicited advice:

  Focus on listening rather than problem-solving

Give unsolicited advice:

Focus on listening rather than problem-solving

• Expect quick fixes:

  Understand that recovery is a gradual process

Expect quick fixes:

Understand that recovery is a gradual process

• Ignore warning signs:

  Take any mentions of self-harm seriously

Ignore warning signs:

Take any mentions of self-harm seriously

When to Seek Emergency Help

Contact emergency services (000) if someone:

• Expresses thoughts of harming themselves or their baby

Expresses thoughts of harming themselves or their baby

• Shows signs of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)

Shows signs of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)

• Is unable to care for themselves or their baby

Is unable to care for themselves or their baby

• Has made any attempt at self-harm

Has made any attempt at self-harm

Partner Depression

Research shows that

1 in 10 fathers

also experience paternal depression during the perinatal period. Partners need support too and should seek help if experiencing:

• Persistent sadness or anxiety

Persistent sadness or anxiety

• Withdrawal from family

Withdrawal from family

• Difficulty bonding with baby

Difficulty bonding with baby

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

• Irritability or anger

Irritability or anger

Recovery and Long-Term Wellness

What Recovery Looks Like

Recovery from postnatal depression is possible and common. With appropriate treatment:

• 80% of women

  experience significant improvement

80% of women

experience significant improvement

• Symptoms typically improve

  within 3-6 months of treatment

Symptoms typically improve

within 3-6 months of treatment

• Most mothers

  develop strong bonds with their babies

Most mothers

develop strong bonds with their babies

• Treatment skills

  help manage future life stresses

Treatment skills

help manage future life stresses

• Family relationships

  often strengthen through the recovery process

Family relationships

often strengthen through the recovery process

Timeline Expectations

Weeks 1-4: Beginning Treatment

• Initial assessment and treatment planning

Initial assessment and treatment planning

• Starting therapy or medication

Starting therapy or medication

• Building support networks

Building support networks

• Possible initial increase in emotional awareness

Possible initial increase in emotional awareness

Weeks 4-12: Active Treatment

• Regular therapy sessions

Regular therapy sessions

• Implementing coping strategies

Implementing coping strategies

• Gradual improvement in mood and energy

Gradual improvement in mood and energy

• Better sleep patterns and self-care

Better sleep patterns and self-care

Weeks 12-24: Consolidation

• Significant improvement in symptoms

Significant improvement in symptoms

• Stronger mother-baby bonding

Stronger mother-baby bonding

• Increased confidence in parenting

Increased confidence in parenting

• Preparation for treatment conclusion

Preparation for treatment conclusion

6+ Months: Maintenance

• Occasional check-ins with healthcare providers

Occasional check-ins with healthcare providers

• Continued use of learned strategies

Continued use of learned strategies

• Strong family relationships

Strong family relationships

• Ability to manage normal life stresses

Ability to manage normal life stresses

Preventing Future Episodes

• Regular mental health check-ups

  during subsequent pregnancies

Regular mental health check-ups

during subsequent pregnancies

• Early intervention strategies

  if symptoms emerge

Early intervention strategies

if symptoms emerge

• Strong support networks

  maintained over time

Strong support networks

maintained over time

• Stress management techniques

  applied to daily life

Stress management techniques

applied to daily life

• Self-awareness

  of early warning signs

Self-awareness

of early warning signs

Building Resilience

• Developing coping skills

  that extend beyond motherhood

Developing coping skills

that extend beyond motherhood

• Creating meaningful connections

  with other parents

Creating meaningful connections

with other parents

• Finding purpose and identity

  beyond being a mother

Finding purpose and identity

beyond being a mother

• Maintaining physical and emotional wellness

  as priorities

Maintaining physical and emotional wellness

as priorities

• Seeking help early

  for any mental health concerns

Seeking help early

for any mental health concerns

Breaking the Stigma

Common Myths vs. Reality

• Myth:

  “Good mothers don’t get depressed”

  Reality:

  Postnatal depression is a medical condition unrelated to mothering ability

Myth:

“Good mothers don’t get depressed”

Reality:

Postnatal depression is a medical condition unrelated to mothering ability

• Myth:

  “It’s just hormones and will pass”

  Reality:

  While hormones play a role, PND requires professional treatment

Myth:

“It’s just hormones and will pass”

Reality:

While hormones play a role, PND requires professional treatment

• Myth:

  “Taking medication means you’re weak”

  Reality:

  Medication can be essential for recovery and doesn’t reflect personal strength

Myth:

“Taking medication means you’re weak”

Reality:

Medication can be essential for recovery and doesn’t reflect personal strength

• Myth:

  “You should be grateful and happy”

  Reality:

  Gratitude and depression can coexist; feelings are complex

Myth:

“You should be grateful and happy”

Reality:

Gratitude and depression can coexist; feelings are complex

• Myth:

  “It only affects first-time mothers”

  Reality:

  PND can occur after any pregnancy, regardless of previous experiences

Myth:

“It only affects first-time mothers”

Reality:

PND can occur after any pregnancy, regardless of previous experiences

Creating Supportive Communities

• Open conversations

  about maternal mental health normalize seeking help

Open conversations

about maternal mental health normalize seeking help

• Sharing recovery stories

  provides hope to struggling mothers

Sharing recovery stories

provides hope to struggling mothers

• Education in workplaces

  supports returning mothers

Education in workplaces

supports returning mothers

• Healthcare provider training

  improves detection and referral

Healthcare provider training

improves detection and referral

• Policy advocacy

  ensures adequate mental health resources

Policy advocacy

ensures adequate mental health resources

Test Your Knowledge

Key Takeaways: Your Journey to Recovery Starts Here

Bottom Line Up Front

Postnatal depression is a common, treatable medical condition affecting 1 in 5 Australian mothers. With proper support and evidence-based treatment, complete recovery is not only possible but expected. You are not alone, and help is readily available through Australia’s comprehensive healthcare system.

Essential Understanding

• Postnatal depression is medical, not personal

  • it’s not a reflection of your mothering ability or character

Postnatal depression is medical, not personal

• it’s not a reflection of your mothering ability or character

• Treatment is highly effective

  • 80% of women experience significant improvement with appropriate support

Treatment is highly effective

• 80% of women experience significant improvement with appropriate support

• Australia offers excellent support

  • from Medicare-subsidized therapy to specialized perinatal services

Australia offers excellent support

• from Medicare-subsidized therapy to specialized perinatal services

• Recovery strengthens families

  • getting help benefits not just you, but your baby and entire family

Recovery strengthens families

• getting help benefits not just you, but your baby and entire family

• You deserve support

  • seeking help is an act of love for yourself and your child

You deserve support

• seeking help is an act of love for yourself and your child

Your Action Steps

• If you’re struggling:

  Contact PANDA helpline (1300 726 306) or see your GP this week

If you’re struggling:

Contact PANDA helpline (1300 726 306) or see your GP this week

• If supporting someone:

  Listen, learn, and encourage professional help without judgment

If supporting someone:

Listen, learn, and encourage professional help without judgment

• For ongoing wellness:

  Build support networks and prioritize self-care as part of good mothering

For ongoing wellness:

Build support networks and prioritize self-care as part of good mothering

• Spread awareness:

  Share information to help other mothers recognize they’re not alone

Spread awareness:

Share information to help other mothers recognize they’re not alone

Remember

Your mental health matters. Your wellbeing matters. You matter. Postnatal depression is temporary, treatable, and does not define your worth as a mother. With the right support, you can not only recover but discover strength and resilience you never knew you had.

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and know that brighter days are ahead.

References

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024).

  Perinatal mental health in Australia

  . Retrieved from

  https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/perinatal-mental-health-australia

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024).

Perinatal mental health in Australia

. Retrieved from

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/perinatal-mental-health-australia

• Giallo, R., Cooklin, A., Zaat, T., D’Esposito, F., Crawford, S., Westrupp, E., & Nicholson, J. M. (2018). Determinants of antenatal depression and postnatal depression in Australia.

  BMC Psychiatry

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  18

  (1), 49.

Giallo, R., Cooklin, A., Zaat, T., D’Esposito, F., Crawford, S., Westrupp, E., & Nicholson, J. M. (2018). Determinants of antenatal depression and postnatal depression in Australia.

BMC Psychiatry

,

18

(1), 49.

• Health Direct Australia. (2024).

  Postnatal depression

  . Retrieved from

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/postnatal-depression

Health Direct Australia. (2024).

Postnatal depression

. Retrieved from

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/postnatal-depression

• Milgrom, J., Danaher, B. G., Seeley, J. R., Holt, C. J., Holt, C., Ericksen, J., … & Gemmill, A. W. (2021). Internet and face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for postnatal depression compared with treatment as usual: Randomized controlled trial of MumMoodBooster.

  Journal of Medical Internet Research

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  23

  (12), e17185.

Milgrom, J., Danaher, B. G., Seeley, J. R., Holt, C. J., Holt, C., Ericksen, J., … & Gemmill, A. W. (2021). Internet and face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for postnatal depression compared with treatment as usual: Randomized controlled trial of MumMoodBooster.

Journal of Medical Internet Research

,

23

(12), e17185.

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia). (2024).

  Support for perinatal mental health

  . Retrieved from

  https://www.panda.org.au/

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia). (2024).

Support for perinatal mental health

. Retrieved from

https://www.panda.org.au/

• Pettman, D., O’Mahen, H., Blomberg, O., Svanberg, A. S., von Essen, L., & Woodford, J. (2023). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions for maternal perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  BMC Psychiatry

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  23

  (1), 208.

Pettman, D., O’Mahen, H., Blomberg, O., Svanberg, A. S., von Essen, L., & Woodford, J. (2023). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions for maternal perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC Psychiatry

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23

(1), 208.

• Sockol, L. E. (2015). A systematic review of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating and preventing perinatal depression.

  Journal of Affective Disorders

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  177

  , 7-21.

Sockol, L. E. (2015). A systematic review of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating and preventing perinatal depression.

Journal of Affective Disorders

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177

, 7-21.

• Woolhouse, H., Gartland, D., Perlen, S., Donath, S., & Brown, S. J. (2020). Physical health after childbirth and maternal depression in the first 12 months post partum: Results of an Australian nulliparous pregnancy cohort study.

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Woolhouse, H., Gartland, D., Perlen, S., Donath, S., & Brown, S. J. (2020). Physical health after childbirth and maternal depression in the first 12 months post partum: Results of an Australian nulliparous pregnancy cohort study.

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• Yang, X., Ke, S., Gao, L. L., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for perinatal maternal depression, anxiety and stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

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Tags:

• Depression
• postnatal depression
• motherhood
• Depression
• Mental Health
• Self-Care