Postnatal Depression
Many women experience mood swings after the birth of a baby. However, postnatal depression (PND) describes the more severe or prolonged symptoms of depression (clinical depression) that last more than a week or two and interfere with the ability to function on a daily basis with normal routines including caring for a baby. It is important to note that PND is different from the baby blues that are common during the first week after childbirth. For around one in seven women the stresses and emotional changes that accompany their postnatal experiences can be intense and include strong depressive mood swings, anxiety, social withdrawal, irritability and loss of enjoyment in usual activities. Postnatal disorders can interfere with the developing relationship between a mother and her baby after birth (bonding and attachment) and impose strains upon the relationship between the parents as well as causing distress for women themselves. Severe disorders require treatment and it is very important to tell your doctor or midwife about current symptoms of distress as well as any past history or medication use. Different types of PND It can be helpful to know that there are different types of PND. Why? Because not only can the symptoms vary between the different types but they tend to respond best to different treatment approaches. Two main types will be discussed here: i. Melancholic depression Melancholic depression is relatively uncommon and affects only 1- 2 % of adults over their lifetime. This is usually a more severe form of depression than the other type of depression (non-melancholic depression) and has a more distinct genetic and biological basis. Someone who is pre-disposed to melancholic depression might have an episode of depression triggered by a stressful life event (e.g a death in the family) but this is not usually the primary cause of their depression. Specific symptoms of melancholic depression usually include slowed cognitive processes, poor concentration, and psychomotor disturbance (agitation or slowing of physical movements) in addition to the features listed below for the non-melancholic type of PND. Melancholic depression responds best to medical treatment such as antidepressant medication, and is less responsive to counselling or psychotherapy although the latter should complement medical treatments. Medical assessment is required as this type of PND rarely goes away without medical treatment. ii. Non-melancholic depression Non-melancholic depression is the most common form of PND and is linked more with psychosocial risk factors than genetic and biological causes. These disorders do not have biological or melancholic features though the depression can still be severe. This type of depression is more likely to respond to psychological approaches to treatment although medication may also be used when symptoms are severe. Symptoms of PND Symptoms of anxiety and depression that start during pregnancy or the postnatal period are similar to those that occur at any other time in a woman’s life, but the focus of the fears and depressive concerns can be the wellbeing of the baby, or feelings of inadequacy as a parent. As mentioned above, the major symptoms of PND can vary according to whether you have a melancholic type of depression or a non-melancholic type. Women with a melancholic type of PND will tend to experience more disturbances in their cognitive and psychomotor processes (showing a slowing of movements or agitation) than women with non-melancholic depression. Other symptoms common to both the melancholic and non-melancholic types may include:
If you are experiencing any distressing symptoms that are causing you concern your Doctor, Midwife, or Child and Family Health Nurse can provide you with assistance or arrange for you to see a specialist. Source: blackdoginstitute.org.au |
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Immunisation and Health Check
No Jab, No Pay – Immunisation Requirements To meet immunisation requirements and be eligible for their full rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A, children need to be immunised in accordance with the National Immunisation Program early childhood vaccination schedule, on an approved catch-up schedule or have an approved exemption. From 1 July 2018, families with children who are not immunised according to the early childhood vaccination schedule appropriate for the child’s age (and do not have an approved exemption) will have a reduction applied to their FTB Part A child rate for each child who does not meet the immunisation requirements. Vaccine objection (previously known as conscientious objection) is no longer an exemption category. Families with children aged over 12 months who do not have an approved exemption — for example a medical exemption (medical contraindication or natural immunity certified by a recognised immunisation provider) or, in very limited circumstances, a Secretary’s exemption — are not eligible to receive their full entitlement to FTB Part A for that child. For further information visit the Department of Human Services website. Healthy Start for School - Health Check Requirement In addition to the immunisation requirements, if an individual receives FTB Part A and the individual or their partner is receiving an income support payment during the income year that their child turns four, they need to make sure their child gets a health check before the child’s fifth birthday. State and Territory based health assessments or a general health check provided by a local GP are acceptable health checks. For example, an individual may meet the requirements of this initiative if they have completed the three year old check outlined in their child’s personal health record book. From 1 July 2018, a reduction will be applied to an individual’s FTB Part A child rate from the child’s fifth birthday if the health check requirement is not met, or if the individual does not notify the Department of Human Services that a health check has been completed, by the child’s fifth birthday. The reduction will apply for the corresponding number of days that the individual or their partner received FTB Part A and an income support payment during the income year that the child turned four. For more information visit the Department of Human Services website. For people who do not speak English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is accessible from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call. | ||
The information in the above were collected from the internet, either from government websites or from reasonably reliable health information sources. They are for general information only and should not replace the need of seeking medical care during illnesses. | ||