Introduction
Pregnancy and parenthood are filled with joy and challenges. Let’s navigate the essentials of mental well-being during this transformative period.
What is perinatal?
Let me introduce you to the term perinatal, it is an important term to know, that will be often used to describe the time from pregnancy to one year after birth, during this period your physical and mental wellbeing is pivotal for parents and the baby’s healthy development.
Factors affecting emotional landscape
Mental wellbeing during this time is influenced by hormonal and physical changes, past experiences, and how we manage stress. External factors like social support, living conditions, and healthcare access also play a crucial role.
Common emotional experiences
It is common to have a spectrum of emotions during this period, some are positive, others can be challenging.
Joy, happiness, anticipation, feeling of empowerment, love and hope are positive emotions,
however, concerns about the future, mood swings, and fatigue can lead to persistent emotional distress, indicating the need for support.
6 Signs of distress
Emotional distress can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, intense irritability, constant worrying, difficulty sleeping, and overwhelming lethargy.
These signs and symptoms can vary greatly in intensity, from mild to severe, affecting daily life and overall well-being, and can manifest at any time during pregnancy and beyond.
why it is important
Why it is so important to discuss mental wellbeing during the perinatal time?
Did you know that mental health challenges are among the most common complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth?
Nearly 20% of women during the perinatal period and about 10% of fathers experience mental health challenges.
More than 100,000 Australian families are affected every year.
Under-reporting under-diagnosis under-treated
Despite the significance of mental health issues during the perinatal period, many parents quietly bear their struggles, leading to a widespread issue of under-diagnosis, only half of those experiencing mental health challenges during the perinatal period are diagnosed, and a mere 10% receive the necessary treatment. This gap highlights a critical need for change, encouraging us to speak up and seek help, breaking the cycle of silence and isolation.”
Barriers to seek help
Seeking help during and after pregnancy can be challenging due to various barriers. societal and cultural pressures, and feelings of shame may prevent them from seeking the support they need. Additionally, a lack of awareness about available resources, financial constraints, and issues like social or geographic isolation can make accessing support even more difficult.
Breaking the barriers:
It’s vital to remember that facing challenges is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength
Help is readily available, and the outlook is positive with early diagnosis and management.
By valuing our mental health and advocating for support, we can overcome these barriers for a healthier parenting.
How can we help ourselves:
There are practical steps we can take to care for our mental well-being. Engaging in self-care strategies is crucial, and we will discuss some specific approaches in the next slide. Open communication with loved ones can also provide significant relief and support. When needed, help is within reach—your healthcare providers can assist you and direct you to a wide array of resources. Additionally, there are many reputable organizations and support groups are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey.
selfcare
Selfcare includes getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, engaging in joyful hobbies and activities, and practicing mindfulness such as meditation and yoga,
Seeking help
Professional help is readily available, your local healthcare providers are a great starting point, they can offer support and guide you to more specialised services. Additionally, there are numerous organisations and support groups dedicated to assisting perinatal parents.
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