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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What percentage of women experience postnatal depression after childbirth?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Postnatal Depression
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    beyondblue

    beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of … View Profile

    Up to one in ten women (10%) experience depression during pregnancy and this increases to 16 percent in the months follow g having a baby. These are Australian statistics, which are similar to other developed countries.

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    Dr Melanie Strang

    Counsellor

    The Post and Antenatal Depression Association quote that 1 in 7 women suffer from post natal depression- however the statistic is probably higher as this number only takes into account the women who have sought help.

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    Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    Women who are affected by depression during pregnancy or following childbirth may have had previous episodes of depression or other mental and emotional conditions. Alternatively, it may be the first time they have experienced depression.

    Depression during pregnancy or following childbirth may occur after the birth of any child, not just the first born.

    Take a look at our website and down load our booklet on antenatal and postnatal depression

    Belinda
    Women’s Health EducatorHealth Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane). Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer

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  • Dr Toni Metelerkamp

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Toni works with adults and couples, and specialises in diagnosing and treating anxiety (panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder), phobias, substance and gambling, addictions, suicide and … View Profile

    Roughly 10 percent of women present for help for depression around the time they have a baby. In all likelihood the figure is higher because not everyone seeks help. Suffice to say, it is not uncommon to feel depressed in the build up and/or  after having a baby. For more information, have a look at PANDA, an Australian website with useful information about depression around the time of childbirth.  The Post and Antenatal Depression Association Inc. (PANDA) has info sheets, video clips, practical information, a service directory and a helpline (1300 726 306), all relating to post and antenatal depression.

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