When may I or my partner need some support? Women and their partners can ... 9201 0044 | www.blackswanhealth.com.au/coun
Perinatal Depression Fact Sheet About our Perinatal Depression counselling program Black Swan Health’s Perinatal Depression counselling program is a short-term, low-cost counselling service for women and their partners who have been diagnosed with depression during pregnancy or up to a year after the birth of their child.
What is Perinatal Depression? Perinatal depression is a type of clinical depression that can affect women and their partners during pregnancy and after the baby’s birth. Antenatal depression occurs during pregnancy, while postnatal depression is experienced for varying durations following childbirth.
When may I or my partner need some support? Women and their partners can become unwell when faced with the demands of parenthood. Symptoms can begin at any stage; from the time you discover you are pregnant to several months after delivery. Typical signs and symptoms of perinatal depression include:
1 in 7 new mums
experience postnatal depression each year in Australia 1
• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, loneliness or isolation • A sense of panic and hopelessness • Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control and unable to cope • Sleep and appetite disturbances • Exhaustion • Withdrawal from intimate relationships and from family, friends and community life
Can men experience perinatal depression? Each year in Australia, one in 10 new dads are diagnosed with postnatal depression 2. This figure may be higher due to the fact that men often struggle with depression without seeking a diagnosis or support. Men can experience perinatal depression independently from their partners. It is very important that men and their partners learn to recognise the signs of perinatal depression and seek help as early as possible.
1 in 10 new dads
experience postnatal depression each year in Australia 2
9201 0044 | www.blackswanhealth.com.au/counselling
Perinatal Depression Fact Sheet Am I eligible for Perinatal Depression counselling? Black Swan Health’s Perinatal Depression counselling program is available for anyone in need.
How do I access Perinatal Depression counselling? Call Black Swan Health on 9201 0044 or email
[email protected] Appointments are available without delay. A GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan may be required.
How much will the service cost? The cost per session ranges from $0 to $35 depending on what you are able to pay.
Seeing a Perinatal Depression mental health professional Black Swan Health’s mental health professionals specialise in working with perinatal depression issues and are located across the Perth metropolitan area. These professionals are qualified clinical psychologists, psychologists, mental health social workers and mental health occupational therapists.
For more information If you have any questions, please contact the counselling team at Black Swan Health: 9201 0044
[email protected]
www.blackswanhealth.com.au/counselling
References:
1. Deloitte Access Economics. The cost of perinatal depression in Australia. Report. Post and Antenatal Depression Association 2012. 2. Paulson, J. F. & Bazemore, S. D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(19), 1961-1969. (doi:10.1001/jama.2010.605)
137-151 Main Street, Osborne Park, WA, 6017 P: 9201 0044 | F: 9201 0033 W: www.blackswanhealth.com.au E:
[email protected] Osborne Park | Fremantle | Joondalup | Midland | Cockburn
