YOU’RE NOT ALONE BEYOND BLUE REACHES OUT TO NEW PARENTS

A new analysis out of Beyond Blue has found many new parents search for answers online to questions they’re too afraid to ask aloud, prompting the organisation to launch a new perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) campaign.

Both men and women can experience perinatal depression and anxiety, with risks increasing during pregnancy and 12 months post-birth.

Each year, one in 10 women will experience depression during pregnancy, one in six women will experience postnatal depression and anxiety; and one in 10 fathers will suffer postnatal depression.

As part of the analysis, Beyond Blue evaluated current Google data trends for terms that may indicate signs of anxiety and depression. The results found:

• “I don’t love my baby” was searched 3,840 times last year

• “Am I a bad mother?” was searched 3,800 times last year

• “I hate being pregnant” was searched 15,600 times last year

• “Does my baby love me?” was searched 4,680 times last year

• “I feel alone in my pregnancy” was searched 2,040 times last year Beyond Blue clinical adviser Dr Grant Blashki said many new parents may not think their behaviour is a sign of perinatal anxiety of depression, or that there is help available.

“Many parents navigate the journey alone, believing symptoms are just part of being a new parent, but it’s important to recognise when feels affect day-to-day life,” Dr Blashki said.

“Modern mums and dads are also up against a type of stressor related to social media: the pressure to be a perfect parent, which often paints a false and highly selective representation of what parents should experience day-today.

“Seeking and accepting help is critical for parents, however the first step in doing so is recognising the signs of depression and anxiety.”

Dr Blashki said Beyond Blue is encouraging new mums to complete the “Mum’s Mental Health Checklist” – a series of 10 questions designed to give new and expectant mothers, along with their health professionals, an insight into how they’re coping.

The checklist forms part of the PNDA campaign. To find out more, visit healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au or access the Mental Health Checklist for Mums.