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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Who is at risk for postnatal depression?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Postnatal Depression
    Are all mothers equally at risk for experiencing postnatal depression or are there associated risk factors such as genetics, personality type and/or lifestyle?
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  • beyondblue

    beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of … View Profile

    There are a range of factors which can put someone at risk. These include having a personal history of depression or other mental health problem (or family history), drug or alcohol misue, history of abuse or being in an abusive relationship. These are the main ones. Another risk factors is having low levels of support (practical and/or emotional).

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  • Anonymous

    I think if I'd known how high my risk was I would have been better prepared and would have known more about treatment options and sought help earlier. It wasn't until I was at an in-hospital sleep program where PND was a pre-requisite that I learned I had a 95% chance of getting PND. It made me feel very angry toward those involved in my antenatal care, who just weren't interested when I brought up the possible issues of being a motherless mother and how this may impact my pregnancy and labour. I really think midwives need more education on mental health issues. Keeping my high risk from me wasn't protecting me.

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  • Dr Melanie Strang

    Counsellor

    I feel the same- emotional wellbeing during the transition to parenthood is an essential topic to spend time on during the antenatal education program , yet it is not done. We are so focussed on the physical aspects.

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  • Brigitte Safrana

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist

    I created Surfing The Blues and Surfing The Baby Blues Counselling & Hypnotherapy services in order to help individuals and couples restore balance in their … View Profile

    Studies have shown that mothers who live in a situation in which is a bit more difficult than normal are more at risk. Any history of mental illness or genetics can predispose someone to postnatal depression. Personality types also play a role. Lifestyle, definitely would be affecting the ratio of women more likely to get postnatal depression. As a rule, anyone can be affected by postnatal depression which can be triggered by a difficult labor, or a difficult relationship with person or mother.

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