Belinda Hortons PANDA Interview

Belinda Hortons PANDA Interview

Postnatal Depression: It's Not All Black & White

Postnatal Depression Awareness Week November 18th to 24th

1. Signs and symptoms of postnatal depression - general

Symptoms can begin anywhere from 24 hours to several months after delivery
Sleep disturbance unrelated to baby's sleep
Changes in appetite
Crying - feeling sad and crying without apparent reason OR feeling like you want to cry but can't
Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control, unable to cope
Irritability
Anxiety
Negative obsessive thoughts
Fear of being alone OR withdrawing from family and friends
Memory difficulties and loss of concentration
Feeling guilty and inadequate
Loss of confidence and self-esteem


2. Signs and symptoms of postnatal depression - men

Symptoms can begin anywhere from 24 hours to several months after delivery
Tiredness, headaches and pain
Irritability, anxiety and anger
Loss of libido
Changes in appetite
Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control and unable to cope
Engaging in risk taking behaviour
Feelings of isolation and disconnection from partner, friends or family
Withdrawal from intimate relationships and from family, friends and community life
Increased hours of work as a part of the withdrawal from family etc.
Increased use of drugs or alcohol instead of seeking treatment for depression


3. Contributing factors to developing postnatal depression

Post and antenatal depression are NOT biological (hormonal) conditions only. Psychological and social factors can also contribute and need to be addressed for full recovery. Factors can include:
Lack of social and emotional support
Stress and changes in relationships (particularly the couple relationship)
Social isolation and lack of transport
Lack of sleep
Difficult pregnancy or birth experience
Previous history of depression or genetic predisposition to depression
Unmet expectations of motherhood or fatherhood
Difficulty adjusting to the changes associated to the transition to parenthood
Worries about extra responsibilities, financial burdens and managing the stresses of work
Norms and attitudes toward fatherhood and masculinity - men are less likely to talk about how they feel and maintaining that they are coping is very important
Change in family dynamics so that some men may feel excluded from the parenting role or from the relationship with their partner.


4. Postnatal depression in Australia

One in 7 new mums and 1 in 20 new dads are diagnosed with postnatal depression each year inAustralia - that's 15 per of mums and 5 per cent of dads
Around 14,000 new dads and 45,500 new mums are suffering with postnatal depression based on2012 birth rates
Lack of community awareness of contributes to parents remaining undiagnosed
Early intervention and the right support and treatment are critical to effective recovery


5. Top tips for coping with a new baby

If you're not feeling the way you expected to, don't put up with it for more than two weeks
Keep talking to your partner and others about how you are feeling and what you are concerned about
Have adequate time to yourself and with your partner, away from the baby to help adjust to the changes and losses that come with parenthood
Take care of yourself - make sure you eat well, exercise and get adequate sleep
Reduce expectations for yourself and your partner


PANDA (the Post and Antenatal Depression Association) is the only specialist national organisation that raises community awareness of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after birth (perinatal period); and provides support services to families to assist in their recovery
PANDA is a not for profit organisation that has been supporting Australian families for over 28 years
PANDA has helped tens of thousands of Australians get much-needed information, support and treatment to aid their recovery

PANDA's services include:
National Perinatal Depression Helpline 1300 726 306 which provides counseling and support to those living with depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby. Operates9-7pm Monday to Friday (EST)
Home-Start, an in-home support program
Assistance setting up postnatal depression support groups
Information, education and training seminars for parent groups and health professionals
National resource and service referral database
PANDA actively makes follow-up calls and can become part of a care-plan for people experiencing perinatal depression. Most other helplines receive calls only.
PANDA's helpline receives around 1800 new callers each year; in addition to follow-up support for existing callers
Over 50,000 people visit PANDA's website every year to gain information on perinatal depression
PANDA's website was rated as the No.1 website worldwide for mothers with a postnatal mental illness in a 2011 independent, international study by the University of Sussex
PANDA was founded in the early 1980's by two women with postnatal depression and has grown to become a leader in the field of perinatal mental health.

Further information regarding postnatal depression: Visit www.Panda.org.au or call PANDA'S National Perinatal Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306

Interview with Belinda Hortons

As an Occupational Therapist Belinda completed studies in a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy, which provided an opportunity for her to explore maternal and family health and perinatal depression from the perspective of occupational therapy.

Belinda qualified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in July 1999 which she practiced privately until 2004. Belinda went on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy in 2001 and practiced family therapy counselling for 6 years in a Postnatal Depression program. In 2004 Belinda joined PANDA as CEO. PANDA provides the National Perinatal Depression Helpline, funded by the Australian Government under the maternity services peer support funding.

Belinda co-authored the Postnatal Depression and Breastfeeding booklet with ABA in 2007 and PANDA's Guide to Postnatal Depression Support Groups with Playgroup Victoria at the end of 2007.Belinda is currently working towards consolidation of PANDA's National Perinatal Depression Helpline following expansion in 2010.

Question: What is the main motivation behind Postnatal Depression Awareness Week?

Belinda Hortons: Postnatal Depression Awareness Week is an annual awareness week, always on the third week of November. The intention is to get people talking about Postnatal Depression to build awareness.


Question: What message would you like to be shared during Postnatal Depression Awareness Week?

Belinda Hortons: The 2012 key message is to watch each other and be aware of what's going on with new parents and encourage people to get help if they are not feeling right.


Question: How common is Postnatal Depression in new parents?

Belinda Hortons: We know that 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 20 fathers will experience and be diagnosed with Postnatal Depression but there are a lot of other parents who are struggling and are not getting help or who are not being diagnosed, the numbers are actually a lot higher.


Question: What are the main symptoms associated with Postnatal Depression?

Belinda Hortons: That is a difficult question because for a lot of parents it doesn't feel that different of look that different due to the baby but there are emotional symptoms such as irritability, crying, anxiousness, feeling really low as well as physical changes including not being able to speak as well or wanting to speak too much. Some of the symptoms are not so different from being a new parent but we encourage mum or dad to speak out if they're worried about how they're feeling and if the feelings are not changing after no more than two weeks and are affecting the way they live their life then they need to seek help.


Question: Why do you believe Postnatal Depression is a condition that remains shrouded in shame and secrecy?

Belinda Hortons: Postnatal Depression happens at a time when society believes new parents should be full of joy, love, happiness and celebration as having a baby is a beautiful thing but if you don't actually feel like that because of depression, anxiety or even exhaustion it adds to the layer of guilt and stigma that make many new parents feel judged and like a failure. A lot of new parents go to an enormous amount of work to keep their feelings hidden so people don't know how they feel, as parents want to do a fantastic job and be great parents but if you don't feel great that can be difficult.


Question: What signs should families look for in new mothers and fathers?

Belinda Hortons: One of the best signs that occurs from Postnatal Depression or exhaustion is loss of humour and that can come with being a new mum or dad but if the loss of humour and playfulness continues it can be due to anxiousness and worrying about things that don't need to be worried about. If signs are evident and concerning friends, families or partners, it is recommend that they have a chat to the new parents and mention that they might not seem quiet themselves as they are worried and preoccupied and ask if there is anything they can do, to help.


Question: Do these symptoms differ in men and women?

Belinda Hortons: Postnatal Depression is similar for men and women in the symptoms of depression as such but sometimes, all the symptoms that we have talked about can be different for new dads as they can be more withdrawn from the family, work long hours in their workplace and spend more time with friends to create space between him and his family. I also think the use of drugs and alcohol can increase as a way of managing the stress and anxiety as well as sometimes an increase in anger.


Question: How is Postnatal Depression diagnosed?

Belinda Hortons: Postnatal Depression is diagnosed by a GP or a psychiatrist. The ideal diagnoses includes a really good physical check as there are some things in the body that can change from pregnancy including thyroid and metabolic changes that can sometimes look like symptoms of Postnatal Depression and if they're ruled out then it is clearer how the mother or father is feeling and what they're experiencing and the diagnoses can be made.


Question: Do we know why Postnatal Depression occurs?

Belinda Hortons: There are always a combination of factors as to why Postnatal Depression occurs, we call it biopsychosocial which means there will always been physical things that happen that contribute as well as psychological and emotional things and the combination is always different for every individual person. It is very important to talk, at length, with your GP about what is happening to get a good picture.


Question: What can families do to help prevent Postnatal Depression?

Belinda Hortons: That's a tricky question as the answer normally lies in doing what parents need including building a really good support network around the new family, being really aware of what depression and anxiety look like during and after pregnancy so that if things do start to change it can be approached quickly because if the symptoms continue it is much more difficult to treat.


Question: What treatment methods are provided for Postnatal Depression?

Belinda Hortons: The treatment needs to be physical, psychological and social. Sometimes for men and women medication becomes important whilst sleep, exercise and diet are all really important methods of treatment. Psychological treatment includes seeking counselling and really good information about what depression and anxiety are. Social treatment includes somebody to talk to, an informal network, as well as support to help around the house and with the baby as a combination of all treatments is best.


Question: What is the main aim of PANDA?

Belinda Hortons: PANDA has been around for nearly 30 years and it began with families helping families to prevent Postnatal Depression, raise awareness and provide support and help where possible; that is still our objective, today. In particular we do this through PANDA's National Perinatal Depression Helpline, Victorian services and support programs. We don't just raise awareness but provide ongoing services.


Question: Can you tell us about the beautiful limited edition PANDA jewellery?

Belinda Hortons: We're really excited about the PANDA jewellery; we were contacted by a vibrant young women who was really keen to support PANDA with an exclusive black and white range of her jewellery and we have joined up with MummaBubba Jewellery to purchase our own stock of this limited range which we will be selling through our website, and all funds raised from the sales goes to support PANDA as well as raising awareness.


Question: What is your goal for PANDA in the next twelve months?

Belinda Hortons: We're heading into interesting times as we are hoping to have our funding renewed and we are working hard to make sure that happens. We'd love to see the hours of PANDA's National Perinatal Depression Helpline extended beyond Monday - Friday as we know parents don't only feel distressed Monday - Friday. We are working on lots of developmental projects such as new factsheets and features on the website. www.Panda.org.au


Interview by Brooke Hunter