Are you in Geelong and suffering from post-natal depression? Counselling for post-natal depression can help you feel better.
Pregnancy and the birth of a child is a time when women undergo the most significant physical, psychological, emotional and social changes in their lives. If you are a new mother, how you adapt to these changes, and also how your partner and other loved ones adapt, can have a huge impact on your mental health. Symptoms of depression or anxiety are also common in men who are adjusting to their new role as a parent and coming to terms with huge changes affecting their lives too.
In the post-natal period, women’s mental health is particularly vulnerable, especially if already under stress from relationship, family, financial, work, health or social pressures. There is added risk if you have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns in the past. Seeking timely and helpful support at this critical point can be very beneficial, not only for you, but also for your baby and the development of your important relationship.
Common symptoms of post-natal depression or anxiety in men an women include:
- Feeling on edge or anxious
- Excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Low confidence
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling of guilt or inadequacy
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Feeling miserable
- Tearfulness
- Feeling worthless
- Low self-esteem
- Irritability or anger
- Self-critical thoughts
- Suicidal thoughts
If you have experienced any of these symptoms following the birth of your child, seeing a therapist can help you find ways to adjust to being a parent, get back on track, reduce symptoms, and improve how you feel about yourself and your baby.
Psychologists can help with many aspects of this life stage including pregnancy planning, preparing for parenthood, adjusting to parenthood, exploring changes in identity and roles, understanding past and present attachment issues in the transition to motherhood or fatherhood and managing new family dynamics. For more information about attachment and motherhood see the Peri-natal page, or you can also book an appointment at Mindwell for support.