PNDA stands for Perinatal Depression and Anxiety – but this year we’re expanding our definition to include a more diverse experience of mental health
PNDA can occur before and after the baby is born.
Perinatal means around the time of birth, and is preferred to “postnatal” as, for some people, symptoms can occur during pregnancy or in the lead up to a child’s arrival. Generally, perinatal mental health issues occur between finding out that a baby or child is arriving and up to a year after the child’s arrival. Other words which might be used to describe this period include “postpartum”, “antenatal”, or “puerperal”.
Not just Mums
PNDA doesn’t just affect new mums, it can happen to all sorts of parents: dads and non-birth parents, trans and gender diverse birth parents, and gestational surrogates. Foster carers, adoptive parents, and extended family can also experience perinatal mental health issues surrounding the arrival of a new baby or child.
When is it a problem?
Most new parents and caregivers have ups and downs – the lead up to a child joining your family can be tense, and even a little scary. After the arrival of a baby or child, emotions can be high for a number of reasons – a new baby can be stressful, many parents and caregivers experience lack of sleep, and everyone is adjusting to a new routine. PNDA is a bit different, though.
If your stress, worry, or feelings of sadness last more than two weeks, it could be time to reach out and get some extra help. PNDA can make it hard to respond to and care for your baby. The good news is that with the right support, PNDA has a very high recovery rate. People affected by PNDA can still be responsive and sensitive caregivers, especially if they are supported by their loved ones and trusted health care professionals.
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What to look out for
More worried than usual?
Feeling like you can’t cope?
Feeling sadder than usual?
Feeling worthless?
No longer interested in your baby, partner, or friends?
Finding it harder to do daily tasks?
Constant worrying?
Experiencing changes in appetite?
Loss of concentration?
Losing interest in sex or intimacy?
Extended periods of irritability and anger?
If you, or someone you care about, has been experiencing any of these, especially if they have lasted longer than two weeks, it’s important to reach out – your local GP, child and family health nurse, or the PANDA Help Line – 1300 726 306 are great first steps.
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How common is it?
Problematic depression and anxiety is common
Across Australia, 100,000 families each year will experience some form of PNDA as part of the period extending from the beginning of pregnancy up to the baby’s first birthday.
1 in 5 birth parents, and up to 1 in 10 non-birth parents experience problematic symptoms of PNDA during the perinatal period.
Postnatal Psychosis
1 to 2 birth parents in every 1000 experience postnatal psychosis after the birth of their child. Postnatal psychosis usually occurs within three weeks of the birth of the baby. Like Perinatal Depression and Anxiety, postnatal psychosis responds well to treatment and support, especially when identified early. Although rare, postnatal psychosis can be serious, and can put both parent and baby at risk. If you, or someone you care about, experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor straight away.
- Unexplained behaviour and/or changes in thinking (which may include paranoia – for example that the baby will be harmed)
- Disconnect with reality or uncertain sense of reality (this may include seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Noticeable and unexplained shift in perceptions (including believing things are real which are not real)
- Thoughts about harming self or baby
If you think that you, or someone you care about, might be experiencing perinatal psychosis, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Please contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. These symptoms may not be present at all times, but should never be ignored, even if they seem to have subsided.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
Our urgent help page provides other numbers you can call in a crisis or urgent situation.
It can be worrying, but please remember that perinatal psychosis has a high remission rate with the right treatment and support.
You can also find more information about perinatal psychosis through Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia and Beyond Blue
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Treatment is effective
The good news is that treatment of PNDA is effective
Seeking help early for Perinatal mental health issues can lead to a quicker recovery and reduce the impact it has on you, your baby and your support network (partner, family, and friends).
There is a lot of support available and the first step would be to talk to your GP or child and family health nurse about any concerns you have regarding your own mental health. They can provide you with more information about what support is available, and appropriate treatment options.
Talk about your concerns to your partner, friends or family members so they are aware of your thoughts and feelings and can support you through this period in time. It can also be helpful to speak to others who have experienced Perinatal mental health issues so you can hear about their personal story and can look to their recovery as an inspiration in your own journey.
To find more resources, and to find information specifically tailored to different communities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguisitically Diverse, LGBTIQA+, Regional, rural and remote), you can have a look at our Resources Page.
The PANDA National Helpline (1300 726 306) is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 7.30pm, they can help you in recovering from Perinatal anxiety and depression.
If you feel you are not receiving the level of care that you would like, or feel there has been no improvement, seek a second opinion.
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Worried about someone else?
Have you noticed any changes in your partner, friend or family member’s thoughts, feelings or behaviour? Have they been feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Uncharacteristically messy house? Not wanting to see friends or family or spend time with their partner? Not going out? Mood swings? Getting overly annoyed at little things?
Often emotional and practical support is all that is needed for someone experiencing symptoms of PNDA. You can offer this support by:
- Being a good listener – listen to what the person has to say, how they are feeling
- Check in regularly – other than being a good listener make sure you ask them how they are feeling and validate those feelings
- Offer to help – contribute more to household chores, offer to watch the baby while they go out with friends, give them time to rest or spend one on one time with their partner
- Help them get sleep – a good night’s sleep can make the world of difference. If they are breast- or chest- feeding baby and are able to express, or if baby is bottle fed, taking over some or all night feedings can make the world of difference
It is also a good idea to reassure your partner, friend or family member that they are not alone in their feelings and there is a lot support available to them.
The PANDA National Helpline (1300 726 306) is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 7.30pm, they can help you in supporting your partner, friend or family in recovering from Perinatal mental health issues.
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