About this resource
Perinatal means during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Many new parents feel teary or overwhelmed in the first days after birth, which is often called the baby blues and usually passes. Depression and anxiety last longer and affect daily life. They can happen to mothers, fathers and partners, and they are common and treatable. This handout explains common signs, what helps and gives space for a personal plan.
Purpose
To give clear, accurate information about perinatal depression and anxiety and what helps.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Social workers. Also relevant for psychologists, counsellors and therapists, community services and case workers.
Client or participant group: Parents and expecting parents, including mothers, fathers and partners.
Practice setting: Perinatal, child and family health, and counselling services.
Suggested uses
- Psychoeducation after diagnosis
- Helping someone decide to seek assessment
- Sessions with family or supporters
- Goal setting and treatment planning
Instructions for practitioners
- Check what the person already knows and has been told.
- Go through the handout together, linking it to their own experience.
- Choose one or two things to try first.
- Talk with the person's GP or treating team about assessment, diagnosis and medication.
- Complete a risk assessment conversation where needed.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read this with your practitioner or someone you trust.
- Tick the things that sound like you.
- Write down questions for your practitioner or doctor.
Accessibility considerations
Plain language. Can be read aloud or worked through with an interpreter or supporter.
Scope and limitations
General psychoeducation. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace assessment or treatment by a doctor, psychiatrist or other qualified clinician. Questions about medication should go to the prescribing doctor.
Research basis
Australia's perinatal mental health guideline covers identifying and treating mental health conditions during pregnancy and the first year after birth.
- Centre of Perinatal Excellence. (2023). Effective mental health care in the perinatal period: Australian clinical practice guideline. https://www.cope.org.au/health-professionals/national-perinatal-mental-health-guideline/new-2023-national-perinatal-mental-health-guideline
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Written for Practitioner Plus from the guidelines and research listed in the research basis; no third-party handout was used.
