Perinatal mental health organisations and health professionals are calling on the community to destigmatise perinatal mental health so more parents can feel comfortable reaching out for help.
The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) reports that “74 per cent of women experiencing anxiety or depression in pregnancy or after birth did not seek help until they reached crisis point”.1
“As many as one in five women and one in 10 men experience anxiety and/or depression in the year after the birth of their baby, and suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in Australia,” said Julie Borninkhof, CEO of perinatal mental health charity PANDA.
“As well as those people who get a clinical diagnosis, we know there are many more who experience difficulties in adjusting to pregnancy and new parenthood, and this impacts their long-term wellbeing, their relationships, and their experience of parenthood.”
Ms Borninkhof emphasises that raising awareness is critical to ensure that people seek help and support.
“The perinatal period is a critical period of transformation for people and families, and as a community, we need to do everything we can to support families during this period,” she said.
“Perinatal mental health challenges have a real cost to our community economically and socially. Raising awareness is critical both to ensure people feel they can seek help and support when they need it and to help families, support people and health and care professionals see the signs when someone is struggling.”
Pharmacy in focus
Following the birth of their baby, parents will often visit a community pharmacy, so it’s essential that pharmacy staff can be alert to warning signs of mental health concerns.
Ms Borninkhof stresses that perinatal mental illnesses are treatable.
“From a pharmaceutical viewpoint, it’s important that pharmacists are clear about medication safety during pregnancy and following birth … as many people feel a lot of worry or fear around taking medications during this time,” she said.
“More broadly, many people worry that if they reach out for help or flag that they aren’t coping, there’ll be negative consequences or that they may be separated from their babies.
“It’s really important that health and care professionals can see the signs when someone isn’t coping, and help alleviate some of that anxiety around what will happen if people reach for help. Perinatal mental illnesses are treatable and happen much more commonly than many people realise. There’s support available, and there’s always hope.”
Getting involved
Ms Borninkhof encourages community pharmacies to get involved in Perinatal Mental Health Week and open up a conversation.
“Pharmacy staff play a critical role in community health and well-being for pregnant people and new parents,” she said. “Opening up a conversation, assisting people in making educated decisions about medications, and referral to services like PANDA are all practical ways pharmacy staff can get involved.”
“Being able to see the signs and listening intently to the answers when you ask, ‘how are you?’ is critical for health and care providers.”
Empower through information and care
Ms Borninkhof says PANDA’s research shows that of callers to the PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline, 63 per cent had not previously disclosed mental health concerns to a healthcare provider, and 90 per cent had not shared their concerns with their obstetrician or midwife.
“That’s why it’s fundamental that we support all healthcare providers, including pharmacists, to understand this mental health issue and build confidence in having conversations with your service users,” she said.
“Pharmacists have a unique opportunity to provide supportive mental health advice and encouragement to seek support.”
Ms Borninkhof points to several strategies that pharmacy staff can use to inquire about the well-being of new parents.
“Where possible,” she said, “inquire about the wellbeing of pregnant and new parents, and encourage disclosure by using destigmatising language about the prevalence of mental health concerns, such as, ‘It’s a big change, becoming a parent – how are things going for you?’
“If someone does disclose that they may be finding things hard, take care not to show shock or judgement, or make assumptions, even if a patient says something you find challenging. Instead, validate their feelings, explore and encourage help-seeking via PANDA or a GP.”
“You could try, ‘It’s great that your baby is OK, but parents need to be OK too – perhaps we can talk about what’s difficult right now – for example, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, fear, overwhelm, loneliness, big feelings after birth – and explore some options you could access for support’.”
Sharing information about organisations in the community that provide accessible information is also helpful, Ms Borninkhof says.
“Another useful thing you can do is empower with information,” she said. “Accessible information about risk factors, symptoms and treatment options helps patients to make sense of their experiences, know what might lie ahead, seek help, and advocate for themselves or their partner.”
“PANDA offers a range of free printed resources you can order on our website for your pharmacy to increase awareness and help families to get support.”
If you need help
PANDA: 1300 726 306, Monday to Friday 9am to 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Reference
- Feelings of Shame and Stigma. 2022. cope.org.au/new-parents/first-weeks/feelings-of-shame-and-stigma/ [Accessed 15/9/22].
This feature was originally published in the October issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine.
