Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Understandably, becoming a new parent can be both exciting and stressful. Many parents feel overwhelmed and often neglect their own emotional well-being while focusing on their newborn. It is important to acknowledge these feelings, seek support when needed, and practise self-care. Maintaining emotional balance helps parents nurture their baby effectively and sustain their own mental health.
What are the common symptoms?
Perinatal depression and Anxiety are mental health conditions that affect individuals during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth. Unlike the temporary “baby blues,” these disorders can significantly impact emotional well-being, daily functioning, and the ability to bond with the baby. Below are common symptoms that may arise as a result of perinatal depression and anxiety:
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest
- Excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Intrusive thoughts
Understanding these conditions helps promote maternal health and ensures a positive start for families during this critical life stage.
Why do I feel like this?
Recognising these feelings early is essential for seeking support and preventing long-term impact on both parent and child. With the right strategies and professional help, recovery is possible, and emotional well-being can be restored. Explanations for why you may experience perinatal depression and anxiety are outlined below:
Biological Changes
Emotional Stressors
Social and Environmental Factors
How does therapy help?
Perinatal depression and anxiety affect many individuals during pregnancy and after childbirth, impacting emotional well-being and daily functioning. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to address these challenges, fostering resilience and recovery.
Emotional Regulation
Therapy teaches practical techniques to manage intense emotions, reducing feelings of sadness, fear, and irritability. This helps restore emotional balance and promotes a sense of calm during the perinatal period.
Cognitive Restructuring
Therapists help challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with realistic, positive perspectives. This reduces self-doubt and guilt, fostering confidence in coping with pregnancy and parenting challenges.
Stress Management
Therapy introduces relaxation strategies such as mindfulness and breathing exercises. These tools reduce stress hormones, improve sleep, and create mental clarity, essential for navigating perinatal changes effectively.
Relationship Support
Therapy enhances communication and understanding between partners, reducing conflict and isolation. Strengthened relationships provide emotional security, improving overall family dynamics and support during pregnancy and postpartum.
Preventing Escalation
Early therapeutic intervention prevents symptoms from worsening into severe depression or anxiety disorders. Timely support reduces risks of long-term mental health complications, ensuring better outcomes for parent and child.
Building Coping Skills
Therapy equips individuals with personalised coping strategies for daily challenges, including fatigue and role adjustments. These skills promote resilience, empowering parents to manage stress and maintain well-being.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
We are here to support you
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Meet Our Team
Meet our friendly and experienced team, here to help you with confidence and care.
Amy Wang
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.