Antenatal and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA)
Antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (also known as Perinatal Depression and Anxiety or PNDA) impacts up to 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers or non-birthing partners. Despite this we know that a lot of parents still struggle to talk about how they “really feel”.
Our perinatal psychologists and psychiatrist are passionate about providing psychological support throughout the perinatal period because we understand how difficult it can be.
Often a number of symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression or anxiety (PNDA) are dismissed, as they may overlap with common physiological symptoms of pregnancy and the postnatal period such as difficulty sleeping, tiredness, nausea and appetite changes.
Other common symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) include:
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Tearfulness and depressed mood
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Loss of motivation
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Excessive worry, anxiety or obsessive traits
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Panic attacks
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Intrusive thoughts
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Lack of energy
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Difficulty sleeping not related to baby
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Feelings of guilt
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Worries about bonding with baby
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Negative self-talk
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Difficulty getting organised
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Avoiding social contact
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Loss of interest in sex
Some women experience all of these antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) symptoms and others may only experience a few. If antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety symptoms (PNDA) are experienced consistently over a few weeks, it may be time to seek some additional help and psychological support with one of our perinatal psychologists, psychiatrist, your GP or anyone else in your support network.