Non-birthing parents' mental health matters
Having a baby brings about enormous life changes for both birthing and non-birthing parents. Although the specific demands on each parent may differ, both parents are at risk of experiencing adjustment difficulties to their new life.
The primary breadwinner can feel a new pressure on having to provide, may feel stressed about the long-term security of their employment, or may feel doubtful about their parenting capacity (especially if their own parenting was negative).
Non-birthing parents with a history of mental illness may find that the anticipation of having a baby (during their partner's pregnancy), or the birth of their baby, serve as triggers for a decline in their mental health. Non-birthing parents who have no history of mental illness, may struggle to adjust to their new life, experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns for the first time.
Some parents experience mental health disturbances as a result of their partners' emotional difficulties. When either or both parents' mental health is in decline, this can affect the relationship between parent and infant. The first few years of a child's life are significant for their overall development, and both parents' mental health is important for optimal family functioning.
The primary breadwinner can feel a new pressure on having to provide, may feel stressed about the long-term security of their employment, or may feel doubtful about their parenting capacity (especially if their own parenting was negative).
Non-birthing parents with a history of mental illness may find that the anticipation of having a baby (during their partner's pregnancy), or the birth of their baby, serve as triggers for a decline in their mental health. Non-birthing parents who have no history of mental illness, may struggle to adjust to their new life, experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns for the first time.
Some parents experience mental health disturbances as a result of their partners' emotional difficulties. When either or both parents' mental health is in decline, this can affect the relationship between parent and infant. The first few years of a child's life are significant for their overall development, and both parents' mental health is important for optimal family functioning.
Why non-birthing parents seek help
Here are some common reasons why expectant and new parents seek help:
- Apprehension about supporting partner in childbirth
- Difficult diagnoses during pregnancy
- Concerns about birthing parent's physical or mental health during pregnancy/childbirth
- Loss of a pregnancy/stillbirth
- Trauma of birth
- Sleep difficulties
- Depression, Anxiety, OCD, overwhelm, excessive worry, irritability, anger
- Using alcohol or other drugs to manage stress
- Feeling pressured about balancing work expectations and family
- Loss of old relationship and old life
- Partner's or own disinterest in sex
- Concerns about bonding with baby
- Fears about caring for infant or safety of infant
- Dealing with critical, erratic, angry partner
- Dealing with partner's mental illness after birth
- Fear about repeating negative parenting patterns
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling suicidal, worthless, or wanting to escape from your life
Seeking help
Seeking help can be daunting. However once the first step has been taken, the process of getting help can be a great relief. You will need a referral from your GP to see one of our Psychiatrists. Dr Matthew Roberts and Dr Michael Block have a special interest in working with fathers and couples.
1. Book a (long) appointment with your GP
2. Write down the feelings and symptoms you are experiencing before seeing your GP or complete this stress test and take the results to your GP
3. Remember GPs talk about their patients' feelings, moods, appetite, sleep patterns, libido, relationship difficulties, parenting struggles, work pressures - EVERY DAY. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about.
4. Ask your GP to send a referral to thePsychiatrist/Psychologist you have chosen, or to the Psychiatrist/Psychologist your GP recommends
5. Book an appointment with the Psychiatrist/Psychologist who will help you to address the stressors in your life, and find better ways of managing
2. Write down the feelings and symptoms you are experiencing before seeing your GP or complete this stress test and take the results to your GP
3. Remember GPs talk about their patients' feelings, moods, appetite, sleep patterns, libido, relationship difficulties, parenting struggles, work pressures - EVERY DAY. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about.
4. Ask your GP to send a referral to thePsychiatrist/Psychologist you have chosen, or to the Psychiatrist/Psychologist your GP recommends
5. Book an appointment with the Psychiatrist/Psychologist who will help you to address the stressors in your life, and find better ways of managing
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and Psychologist?
Perinatal psychologists and psychiatrists work in similar and different ways. Here is some general information about the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists:
www.ranzcp.org/Mental-health-advice/Psychiatrists-and-psychologists.aspx
Our psychiatrists work closely with the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network in order to assist men, women and couples during conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period. Generally your GP will inform you of the most appropriate referral.
www.ranzcp.org/Mental-health-advice/Psychiatrists-and-psychologists.aspx
Our psychiatrists work closely with the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network in order to assist men, women and couples during conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period. Generally your GP will inform you of the most appropriate referral.
Information and phone support
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PANDA
Lifeline Suicide Helpline Parentline Mensline Australia www.sms4dads.com www.howisdadgoing.org.au www.cope.org.au www.panda.org.au www.beyondblue.org.au www.blackdoginstitute.org.au www.sane.org www.depressionnet.org.au |
1300 726 306
13 11 14 1300 651 251 13 22 89 1300 789 978 |