Perinatal anxiety and/or depression affects up to 1 in 5 new mums and up to 1 in 10 new dads. The severity depends on the intensity, frequency and type of symptoms, and how much they interfere with you day-to-day functioning.
Everyone’s experience of perinatal anxiety and depression is unique
We know that everyone experiences symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression differently. The way it affects you can depend on a range of factors. Your own physical, emotional and mental make-up and stressful external situations may impact your risk of developing symptoms of perinatal anxiety and/or depression.
There are also different degrees of mental health decline. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others experience moderate to severe symptoms. Some mums experiencing symptoms of perinatal anxiety and/or depression may also develop symptoms of postnatal psychosis.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms (or any others) that are affecting your daily function and mental and emotional wellbeing after your baby's birth, it’s a good idea to talk to someone.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with family and friends just yet, you can call PANDA. We’ll listen, give you more information and can help you link in with postnatal mental health supports in your area.
Helpful Information
Talking about perinatal mental health
Anxiety symptoms
The combination and severity of symptoms will be different for every parent.
1
Changes to mood
2
Changes to behaviour
3
Anxiety and relationships
Depression symptoms
The combination and severity of symptoms will be different for every parent.
1
Changes to mood
2
Changes to behaviour
3
Changes to relationships
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help.
Helpful Information