· 50 per cent of men believe women get postnatal depression because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood.
· 25 per cent of men believe that having PND is a normal part of having a baby.
· 28 per cent of men think PND will go away as the baby gets older (compared to 17 per cent of women).
· 24 per cent of men believe looking after a baby comes naturally to women. (Only 14 per cent of women think this.)
Deputy CEO of beyondblue, Dr Nicole Highet says the research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby – especially ante and postnatal (perinatal) depression and anxiety.
Dr Highet says depression and anxiety are not a “normal” part of parenthood – they are illnesses, but with the right treatment, most people recover.
beyondblue and the West Australian early parenting service provider, Ngala, have developed a booklet called Hey Dad – Fatherhood – First 12 months, aimed at increasing awareness of issues new parents are likely to face.
“This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives – the advice and practical tips are invaluable,” Dr Highet says. “New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety – such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope – and too often it’s put down to the ‘baby blues’ and treated as if it’s a normal part of parenthood.
“Men are an extremely important part of the parenting equation and they need to look after their own mental health as well as that of their partners and their families.”
Ngala CEO Rae Walter says: “The whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children.
“Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a ‘toolkit’ to help new families manage change.”
To order a free copy of Hey Dad – Fatherhood – First 12 months or to find out more about ante- and postnatal depression call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
Just Speak Up about postnatal depression and anxiety
Postnatal depression affects one in seven new mothers while one in 10 pregnant women experiences antenatal depression. Anxiety is likely to be even more common.
beyondblue: the national depression initiative has launched a new depression and anxiety awareness campaign aimed at pregnant women, new mothers, their partners and families.
The Just Speak Up campaign is the culmination of years of beyondblue research and evidence-gathering on the prevalence and risk factors associated with pre- and postnatal depression and anxiety – and the impact of not seeking help.
The campaign features TV, radio and print ads in which real people (not actors) talk candidly about their experiences of pre- and postnatal depression and anxiety, and how they got help. There is also a new website www.JustSpeakUp.com.au where their personal stories can be watched and people can upload their own stories.
For more information about postnatal depression and anxiety, available treatments and where to get help, visit www.beyondblue.org.au, call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 or email infoline@beyondblue.org.au.
Based on ABS Census figures for projected births 2008-2013; 2 The beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program. Prevention and Early Intervention 2001-2005. Final Report. Volume 1: National Screening Program
This information was provided by beyondbue Nov 2010
beyondblue: the national depression initiative
beyondblue info line: 1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au / www.youthbeyondblue.com
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