|
Like depression, perinatal anxiety can be experienced by either parent and can occur during pregnancy (antenatally) as well as after the baby is born (postnatally)
It is common for people with anxiety to experience depression too
Symptoms of perinatal anxiety are much the same as for anxiety disorders in the general population, these can include:
- Anxiety or fear which interrupts thoughts and interferes with daily tasks
- Panic attacks
- Feeling restless
- Having tense muscles, a feeling of tightness in the chest, or heart palpitations
- Nervousness or nausea
- Finding it difficult to relax
- Having a churning stomach
- Having a sense of dread
- Taking a long time to fall asleep when you go to bed
- Anxiety or fear which stops you going out with your baby
- Anxiety or fear which leads to you constantly checking your baby
Perinatal anxiety is more intense and prolonged than a reasonable level of worry.
- Treatment options for perinatal anxiety include:
- Psychological approaches (e.g. counselling, psychotherapies)
- Medication
Lifestyle and behavioural changes (e.g. exercises, relaxation)
It is important that you talk to your GP if you as a mother, or a partner, are experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
IF YOU THINK YOUR FAMILY WOULD BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT YOU, OR YOU ARE HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE, CONTACT A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY.
Mental Health Emergency Response Line
1300 555 788 (all hours)
1800 676 822 (rural freecall)
|
Join us and celebrate with information and tips for a stress reduced Christmas.
Perinatal Mental Health 
