The Impact of Mental Health Disorders during Pregnancy and in the Year Following

Mental health disorders often make it extremely difficult for new and expectant mothers to get through the day, let alone manage during pregnancy, respond to the needs of their infant or attend to other children.

Recent research has revealed that many depressed mothers describe feeling no joy. Instead they feel like they are down a black hole, numb, detached, alone and unable to cope or interact with their baby or their life.

"All I wanted to do was to just crawl into bed and stay there, on my own, and everyone to go away - including my baby and my mum."

Those experiencing anxiety describe constant inner turmoil, overwhelming fear, constant worry that something is wrong with their baby and a disconnection between mind and body.

"I was very scared, I gradually lost the plot completely - constant panic, I thought I was going to die - and that they would lock me up and take away my baby."

Not only are these disorders highly debilitating for the mother, but mental health conditions can have more widespread effects on the developing foetus/baby and mother's partner.

The impact of mental health disorders on the partner

New and expectant partners are also at significantly greater risk of becoming distressed at this time.

Partners living with, and supporting their wife/partner with a mental health disorder, are at increased risk of developing depression or anxiety themselves. Many partners describe experiencing grief and loss due to losing the emotional connection with their wives or partners and by not experiencing the joy of being a new parent.

"The person I had known for years was just gone...she didn't respond to me or anyone."

For women who experience severe forms of depression, anxiety, or other severe mental health conditions, admission to a mother-baby unit or psychiatric ward may be required for monitoring and treatment. This can be highly distressing for partners and family members and can cause significant disruption to the families.

Tips for looking after yourself

"Talking with others who really do understand has helped me not to worry so much about the birth and being a perfect mother."

•   Develop a support network of friends, family and/or health professionals and organise extra help in the first few weeks after the birth.

•   Involve your partner and family in day-to-day care of your baby and household chores from the beginning.

•   Organise your routine so you get some time for yourself — use the time to relax or do something you enjoy.

•   Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Sharing your concerns can be really helpful.

Tips for partners

"My husband was fantastic… he spent as much time as he could at home helping with the children."

•   Become involved in day-to-day tasks related to caring for the new baby and the household.

•   Accept offers of help from friends or family members or organise someone to help with meals, housework and the child/ren.

•   Plan some time as a couple and try to do something you both enjoy.

•   Be aware of your own health and wellbeing. Make sure you exercise, relax and set aside time for yourself.

Tips for family and friends

"My mother stayed over as much as possible and a neighbor and other friends cooked meals. Anyone who visited knew to expect to get a job, such as hanging out a load of washing or doing the dishes before we sat down to a cuppa."

•   Spend time listening, without needing to offer solutions and advice unless it is requested.

•   Offer to look after the baby or older children, help with cooking and cleaning or whatever else is needed.

•   Encourage the mother and/or father/partner to seek professional help if necessary.

Information resources for women and their families

Lifeline Australia (All hours)                     13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service                       1300 659 467

Beyond Blue                                             1300 224 636

PANDA helpline  (M-F 9am-7.30pm)      1300 726 306

Pregnancy Birth Baby Helpline               1800 882 436

Maternal & Child Health Line                  13 22 29

Mensline                                                     1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline                                              1800 551 800

Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 015 188   

Relationships Australia                              1300 364 277