Post Natal Depression Counselling Melbourne Northern Suburbs

Perinatal psychological counselling and support to address post birth depression available via Telehealth and in person in inner Melbourne and in the Eltham areas.

During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

During the past month, have you often been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?

Have you ever worried so much that it affects your everyday life?

Baby Blues

It is common after the birth of a baby to experience the baby blues. This tends to occur between the third and tenth day after birth.

Symptoms of teariness, irritability, fluctuations in mood and anxiety tend to dissipate after a few days.

Post Natal Depression and Anxiety

1 in 7 mums experience post natal depression in Australia each year.
Post natal anxiety is also thought to be as common.
Post natal depression and depression occurs

Signs of Post Natal Depression and Anxiety

panic attacks
worrying constantly about the health and wellbeing of your baby
feeling sad
developing obsessive or compulsive behaviours
increased sensitivity to noise or touch
feeling low
negative thinking
not motivated to do anything
a sense of guilt or inadequacy
extremely tired, with no energy
feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting
unable to cope with the demands of chores and looking after your baby

loss of confidence and lowered self esteem
tearful
loss of enjoyment in usual pursuits
fear of being alone or going out
irritability or anger
loss of appetite and weight or hungry all the time
broken sleep (irrespective of baby)
sense of hopelessness and being a failure
a wish not to be alive
suicidal thoughts or ideas
panic attacks
loss of libido
fears for baby’s or partner’s safety or wellbeing.

Factors that may contribute to Ante and Post Natal Depression and Anxiety

History of anxiety and depression
Family history of mental illness
Previous reproductive loss (infertility, IVF, miscarriage, termination, stillbirth, death of baby)
Difficult or complex pregnancy
Birth trauma
Premature or unwell baby
Feeding or settling difficulties
Sleep deprivation

Pre-existing physical illness
Financial stress
Relationship stress
Family violence
Lack of social support
History of childhood trauma or neglect
Isolation and lack of social connections
Loss and grief issues
Absence of your own mother or mothering figure

How counselling can help you with anxiety…