A new study published in the Journal of Clinic and Health reveals that major life-threatening events such as COVID-19 may increase the incidence of perinatal depression.
The study found that women with greater concerns about the threat of being infected, healthcare changes, and lack of information during birth and infant care due to COVID-19 had a higher risk of depression.
Claire Robertson, pharmacist owner, Blooms The Chemist Wagga Wagga says they “have seen a marked increase in the number of patients seeking guidance and support and sharing their concerns around becoming a parent during this time”.
“At Blooms The Chemist our pharmacists are trained in mental well-being first aid and are alert to symptoms of anxiety and depression, which in instances of PNDA [Perinatal Depression and Anxiety], can then be supported by the specialist trained team at Gidget Foundation Australia, whose important work helps families suffering distress during pregnancy and early parenting,” Ms Robertson said.
“Studies have shown that perinatal depression may also be associated with an increased risk of offspring emotional, behavioural, and cognitive difficulties, making the need for integrated physical and mental well-being support imperative to reduce the chances of impacting future born children,” she said.
Blooms The Chemist CEO, Emmanuel Vavoulas says that while “anxiety and depression in parents in the lead up to the birth of a child and shortly after has always had a significant impact on families”, this has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Anxiety and depression in parents in the lead up to the birth of a child and shortly after, has always had a significant impact within families and across the entire community, many of whom do not seek support and are confronted with overwhelming worries and concerns. This is now further heightened with the apprehension around COVID infection and other concerns,” he said.
Dr Erin Seeto, Counselling Psychologist & Clinical Team Leader, Gidget Foundation Australia says that during the COVID-19 pandemic the organisation saw “changes to usual pregnancy and childbirth experiences”.
Dr Seeto says these included “distancing from family, hospital restrictions, remote consultations and general disconnection from what would usually be a collective experience”.
“Gidget Foundation Australia is pleased to be working in partnership with Blooms The Chemist as their philosophy is to put people first,” Dr Seeto said.
“The theme of Perinatal Mental Health week is, “We’re here, we get it”. For expectant and new parents alleviating concerns and providing timely advice and support is crucial.
“With Blooms this means, connecting with a healthcare practitioner who is caring, accessible and trained to support their mental well-being strategies,” she said.
Blooms The Chemist says it is enlisting its local, community pharmacy network of more than 110 pharmacies to become involved through multiple initiatives including:
- Perinatal Mental Health Week ‘We’re here, We get it!’: 65 perinatal and early parenting organisations uniting to support expectant and new parents during Perinatal Mental Health Week: pmhweek.org.au
- Bun in the Oven Fundraiser: selected stores across Australia will host their Bun in the Oven fundraising event, which is a bake sale to help raise funds and awareness. Stores will also select their very own Gidget Champion to actively promote the foundation and help customers understand perinatal depression and anxiety.
- Perinatal Resource Hubs: local pharmacies will display important information, fact sheets and brochures in their stores for customers to learn more about perinatal depression and anxiety.
- Bunny Bounces Back: the Gidget Foundation Australia’s Bunny Books series is exclusively available for purchase at Blooms The Chemist stores. The Bunny Books are a collection of stories written for children, with psychological strategies to help parents.
For more information on Gidget Foundation Australia visit: gidgetfoundation.org.au.
