Experiences of new parents highlight the complexities of identifying and accessing mental health support during the perinatal period. While some individuals have found critical assistance through healthcare providers and specialist organizations, others have reported significant challenges in having their mental well-being addressed by medical professionals. Data indicates that a substantial portion of parents remain unaware of available resources or do not perceive their symptoms as severe enough to seek help, underscoring the ongoing need for consistent screening and early intervention.
Experiences of new parents highlight the complexities of identifying and accessing mental health support during the perinatal period.
Personal Journeys Through Perinatal Mental Health
Marcelle Cooper, a new mother, initially did not disclose her struggles with postnatal anxiety and depression to her general practitioner (GP). Around three months after her daughter Skye's birth, Cooper experienced symptoms including uncontrollable crying, insomnia, lack of appetite, and anxiety, particularly when alone with her baby. She reported feelings of shame that contributed to her initial silence.
After a six-month check-up for her daughter, Cooper urgently contacted her GP for help. Her GP discussed treatment options, including a mental health assessment plan and potential medication, and referred her to the Gidget Foundation. There, she received 10 free sessions with a perinatal mental health specialist clinician. Cooper reported feeling relief and validation through this support. She now serves as an ambassador for the Gidget Foundation, advocating for early intervention and for GPs to take patient disclosures seriously.
Conversely, Amy Hipwell's experiences over five years involved multiple pregnancy losses—including a stillbirth, an early miscarriage, and a termination for Trisomy 18—alongside the births of two healthy children. Hipwell reported that despite significant grief, medical professionals did not initiate discussions about her mental health. During her third pregnancy, her obstetrician managed physical health but did not address her mental well-being, even as she experienced constant anxiety that intensified after birth, leading to hyper-vigilance and difficulty allowing others to hold her baby.
Following a particularly traumatic termination, Hipwell reported a complete absence of support after hospital discharge. During her final pregnancy, with a history of three losses, she again reported no discussions about mental health from healthcare providers. Struggling to cope postpartum, with frequent crying and difficulty bonding, Hipwell stated that it was her cleaner, not a medical professional, who first suggested she seek mental health support. She subsequently sought assistance from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia).
Amy Hipwell reported that despite significant grief, medical professionals did not initiate discussions about her mental health across five years and multiple pregnancy losses and births.
The Role of Healthcare Providers and Identified Gaps
Dr. Ka-Kiu Cheung, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Antenatal and Postnatal Care, emphasized the vital role of GPs in identifying, supporting, and treating perinatal mental health conditions. She stated that GPs can routinely inquire about the mental well-being of both parents throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period, noting that anxiety or mood changes are common adjustments to parenthood. GPs provide continuity of care, understand patients' risk factors, monitor family bonding, and can screen for concerns, provide treatment, and make referrals.
Despite this outlined role, personal accounts like Hipwell's suggest inconsistencies in practice. A PANDA survey indicated that 22 percent of respondents were not asked about their mental health by healthcare providers, and less than half (43 percent) reported that anxiety was included in screening. Julie Borninkhof, PANDA CEO and clinical psychologist, stated that healthcare providers should consistently inquire about the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents. She noted that many professionals receive limited mental health training, often not specific to the perinatal period. Borninkhof also highlighted the challenges of identifying anxiety and depression during "matrescence"—a period characterized by significant adjustment, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation.
Prevalence and Awareness of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
Perinatal depression and anxiety affect approximately one in five mothers and one in 10 fathers, impacting nearly 100,000 parents annually in Australia. However, recent data from the Gidget Foundation indicates that over 25% of Australian parents are unaware of available mental health support during this period. Additionally, one-third of parents believe their symptoms are not severe enough to warrant professional help.
Advocacy for Early Intervention
Organizations like the Gidget Foundation and PANDA provide specialized support for perinatal mental health. Marcelle Cooper's advocacy, stemming from her own experiences, underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support being a standard part of perinatal care. Julie Borninkhof further stressed that unsupported parental mental health can worsen, potentially affecting a child's well-being and development. She noted that supporting parents' mental health can foster intergenerational well-being.
Supporting parents' mental health can foster intergenerational well-being.
Both organizations encourage individuals struggling with pregnancy or new parenthood, or those wishing to assist others, to seek support.