Most cultures celebrate parenthood. To many, bearing children is a milestone that sees us graduate into responsible adulthood — a natural, selfless and necessary step in our passage through life.

Society builds the belief that parenthood brings a sense of completeness. There’s the hope and expectation that parenthood will be the happiest time of your life, full of rainbows and butterflies. While that may be the case, the perceived reality is often quite different.

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) is a diagnosable, temporary and treatable medical condition. It doesn’t discriminate, with one in five mothers and one in ten fathers experiencing PNDA long after childbirth.

PNDA shouldn’t be confused with the ‘Baby Blues’, a common reaction in which a new mum feels anxious, teary and overwhelmed for a couple of days after childbirth. In this case, reassurance and support from friends and family is usually all that’s needed.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Low mood and irritability
  • Trouble concentrating and maintaining focus
  • Feeling of numbness, no connection to the baby and no feelings of joy
  • Overwhelming worry, intrusive thoughts
  • Tearfulness, restlessness with sleep and appetite changes
  • Feelings of grief, anger and hopelessness, guilt
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, sweaty palms and heart palpitations
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

There are many societal misconceptions surrounding PNDA. These include the idea that it’s an uncommon experience and only endured by women. Others believe it is purely psychological and not backed by science. Some mistakenly believe PNDA is the fault of the parent, suggesting it’s their fault.

As Chris Barnes, Clinical Team Leader and Clinical Psychologist at the Gidget Foundation Australia explains,

A mental health condition (especially during the perinatal period) can feel terribly overwhelming and guilt ridden. In fact, PNDA is a diagnosable medical condition that’s temporary and treatable.

Chris Barnes, Clinical Team Leader and Clinical Psychologist at the Gidget Foundation Australia

Recently, multiple celebrities have used their social media platforms to talk about their experience of PNDA. In spite of this, it’s still rarely discussed.

PNDA is a very common experience (in men and women) and there is no shame in seeking support.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s take some time each day to focus on our mental wellbeing and health as this can have a hugely positive impact on our quality of life.

Your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist is sometimes the most accessible health professional if you’re looking for health advice for body and mind. Your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacists have completed mental health first aid training to help listen and point you or someone in the right direction.

If you’re ever worried about yourself or someone else, or need advice on medications, contact your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacist for professional support and advice.

Presented in partnership with Blooms The Chemist.