Over the last few years, Alison & I have met & know a lot of mum’s who have experienced post-natal depression. As if motherhood isn’t hard enough!

Well, 18th-24th of November is Postnatal Depression (PND) Awareness Week. The following information comes from Beyond Blue & we hope it helps raise the awareness of this often devastating illness.

Postnatal depression (PND) affects one in seven women giving birth in Australia. As well as being a devastating experience for the new mother, it also has dramatic effects on the infant and mother’s personal relationships with other family members.

Left untreated, the impact on the mother and her children can be profound. Children of depressed mothers have a higher risk of cognitive and behavioural difficulties, as well as impairments in later mental health. When left untreated, PND can impact on family relationships and some studies have also indicated that the partners of women with PND may also be at greater risk of depression.

The recent beyondblue Depression Monitor Survey found that awareness and understanding of PND is low with less than 1 per cent of the respondents recognising it as a major mental health problem.

Adding to the lack of understanding and awareness of the illness, there was also confusion around the prevalence of PND. Most people were unsure if PND affects 5 per cent, 15 per cent, 30 per cent or 50 per cent of new mothers. (It’s 16 per cent.) While just over half of those surveyed said the first person they’d seek help from for PND would be a doctor or GP, 22 per cent said they would talk to a family member or friend.

Taking into account the low level or awareness about the condition and its prevalence and the fact that many people would seek help from a friend or family member, it highlights the importance of raising awareness across the community about ante and postnatal depression - not just among pregnant women, new mothers and their partners.

Every year, beyondblue dedicates a week in November to focus particularly on raising awareness about PND - but it’s an issue that needs attention all year round.

For more information on Postnatal Depression, including signs, symptoms, available treatments and where to get help click here.