Getting help for depression

It is important to treat depression and anxiety as early as possible because these conditions not only cause distress for the mother but also influence her ability to cope with the infant, and their developing relationship. Partners and young children can also feel stressed when a parent is anxious or depressed.

Treatment options for perinatal and postnatal depression include counselling, psychological therapies and medications. Type of treatment will vary with the nature and severity of the symptoms.

The more simple treatments are those that are supportive, educational and aim to give a women and her partner some understanding and acceptance of the causes of the depression or anxiety disorder and information about methods for coping.

There are some situations where depression is triggered by lack of information or incorrect beliefs about a situation.  Getting correct information can help greatly in such instances.  Doctors, midwives, child and family health nurses and parent educators all play a part in providing information for new and prospective parents about pregnancy and normal behaviours of newborn infants. They can also correct misinformation. 

It is important to ask questions rather than to worry in silence. When symptoms persist in spite of reassurances and provision of correct information other treatment approaches need to be considered.

There are also various counselling approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy which teach women the skills to deal with situations that trigger or increase distress. These therapies can be done individually or in groups and usually take place weekly for 6-12 sessions.

For women with long-standing problems arising in childhood, there are other forms of psychotherapies that require longer term treatment. Some therapists will work with the mother and baby together or with both parents together. Couple counselling can be useful for problems in the parent's relationship including communication problems and sexual difficulties.

Wherever possible doctors try to avoid the use of medication that might affect the developing foetus or the breastfeeding infant however the severity of symptoms sometimes make it necessary for medication to be used as part of treatment.

A consultation with your GP or psychiatrist will assist you to obtain advice about management of your symptoms including the best types of treatment.
 

Parenting support websites

www.mumzone.com.au - an all in one pregnancy, baby, toddler and parenting site full of useful and practical information, resources, ideas and tips about pregnancy, parenting, looking after your baby, yourself and your family.

www.raisingchildren.net.au - a comprehensive range of quality-assured information for parents of children birth to eight years.

www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au - contains quality assured early childhood resources and information from people working within the early childhood field.