{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-post-js",
    "path": "/articles/talking-about-perinatal-mental-health/",
    "result": {"data":{"sanityArticle":{"title":"Talking about perinatal mental health","_type":"article","datePublished":"14 February 2022","header":{"background":null,"headline":"Talking about perinatal mental health ","text":[{"_key":"87b2c04a8220","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8c277cb548eb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"For many new parents, talking about how they are feeling can be difficult. You may never have experienced feelings and thoughts like this before, and are not sure how to express them."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-862cdcdd0d02086d49c44f0987ad3af0f3c8cef5-4000x2667-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":null}},"content":[{"_key":"9fe63e27c764","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7807962c884e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are experiencing symptoms of perinatal anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or psychosis, some of the thoughts and feelings you may be experiencing can be extremely frightening. Many people may feel afraid to share these thoughts with their partner or family."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2ab6b9eb11c5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe2a04307248","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Difficult emotions in the perinatal period can trigger a lot of shame, guilt and sadness. The image you may have had of what you’d be like as a parent probably didn’t include feeling low, crying, or wishing you could take a break from parenting. Yet our callers commonly report having those emotions and thoughts. These thoughts and feelings don’t mean you don’t love your baby, and they don’t mean you are a bad person or parent."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cfb728281771","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a389d1d09102","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In fact, up to 1 in 5 expecting or new mums and up to 1 in 10 expecting or new dads will develop symptoms of perinatal anxiety and/or depression. Perinatal mental health issues are much more common than many people realise. Even if you aren’t experiencing significant changes to your mental health, it’s still common to experience distressing thoughts and emotions, including worry, doubt and sadness."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c371fe7fc8ac","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6703e5ca9c2b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re struggling with your mental and emotional wellbeing, you might feel confused about whether what you are experiencing is “normal”. You might be unsure of how to start talking about your feelings, or you might feel concerned about what people will think."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"15ca978969d1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5984a0014f7f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s okay to talk about what you’re feeling. Starting the conversation with someone you trust, such as your partner or a friend, can be a first step on the road to seeking professional support."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","sidebarPosts":[{"title":"Talking to your doctor","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"talking-to-your-doctor"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-f12faa68ea2bd2a18594e7c59bdb785fb44d43a2-500x417-png"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Mum seeing doctor with baby"},"text":[{"_key":"d757fe214ce4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d9b3853b7454","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Tips on finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"How to get a mental health treatment plan ","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"how-to-get-a-mental-health-treatment-plan"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-91007c7e9749740af92a9694cbc36256e1588354-2364x2214-jpg"},"crop":{"bottom":0,"right":0.06553398058252424,"left":0.06823529411764706,"top":0},"hotspot":{"height":0.8824115157638853,"width":0.8662307252998287,"x":0.5013506567675614,"y":0.44120575788194266},"alt":null},"text":[{"_key":"81982157ef50","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4afb68958eb30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How to access government subsidised mental health care for all Australians."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"modules":[{"_key":"ffa010bdf9c7","_type":"faqBlock","include":null,"title":"Tips for talking about perinatal mental health","noNumbers":true,"text":null,"questions":[{"question":[{"_key":"d05bdf32dd3b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c76fc85fc509","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Barriers to accessing help and support"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"bb54d421653a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"923105162d0a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Callers to PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline often tell us they’ve tried to talk to others about their difficulties during pregnancy or early parenthood, but they haven’t been able to."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3b247e77ebfe","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"676d1ea81c7b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some people find it hard to talk about what they are going through but hope those around them will see they are having difficulties and ask them about it. This is especially so in encounters with health professionals."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"88bc8a453e2f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"841896f672df","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"People often expect GPs, obstetricians, child and family nurses, midwives and others who work with expecting and new parents to easilyeasily identify when their patients are experiencing changes to their emotional and mental health and wellbeing. Many people, including some health professionals, may feel uncomfortable with other people's emotional distress, and may have a limited understanding of how to navigate conversations about perinatal mental health and wellbeing."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d7e3ea83436b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0507962925f7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re finding it difficult to talk with your health professional about your challenges while pregnant or as a new parent, PANDA’s Helpline can provide a safe, secure space to speak about your concerns."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"94b56960190c","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4b19e7e69da1","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"PANDA’s counsellors are caring, compassionate, andwill listen to your story. Together, you and your PANDA counsellor can explore a range of support options and figure out what might be helpful in looking after your emotional and mental wellbeing."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"1b17ef3082a4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3406ddc1fe0b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parenting myths vs facts"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a10717aa4ae2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fd7db504aba4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"7738680c05de","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"554ed1fcecbb","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Our culture glorifies pregnancy, parenting and motherhood. Media, social media, movies, TV and advertising tend to portray parenthood as being fun, easy, fulfilling and joyful. While there are moments where being a parent is all these things, being pregnant or caring for a baby can alsobe stressful, tiring and challenging. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4b200a2c5a32","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9b09b9c35559","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Pregnancy and parenthood can be a time of immense struggle, trauma and pain. This time of life can also trigger mental health and wellbeing challenges you didn’t expect."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"5c13efb1f8bf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1750c0a04982","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Managing unhelpful comments"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"89fc1f667f21","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6f12240407e9","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":""}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"82d38b1f9735","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"245aafd0a482","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It can be incredibly upsetting when you confide in someone about how you are feeling, and they’re dismissive or minimise your experience."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"eaa812f7d78f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5be5ee906e8f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This reflects their own thoughts and beliefs and is not a reflection on you. People who call PANDA’s Helpline often tell us that their family, friends and health providers haven’t listened to them, or have responded with unhelpful statements like:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c8fbb9361280","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c934eb4d6edd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Of course parenting is tough. You just have to get through it."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"15e31f06b809","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"70c1ce23a546","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It happens to everyone."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"cffaddffebf2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"11872037e2d6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You’re just tired. Every parent gets tired – it comes with the territory."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b7be79137a3e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"269bcb9184be","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Just have a cup of tea and put your feet up – you’ll feel better."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"31bb67709362","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"59c678a2f291","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Sleep will come, just give it time."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c8b898a34aa6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7e4fe215d00d","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Yes, it’s stressful, but it’s also just so rewarding! (it may not be)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ce772b47e7d0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"3e71dbef91e3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You’ll feel better once you get some sleep."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"03ac6a8934cf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"81927fb96816","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s hard for all parents, and you don’t hear everyone complaining, do you?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f43870d3c9fb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"816b775d8c70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Oh, lots of mums get by on much less sleep than you’re getting."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"069190ac2fe2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"34ddfeac2c35","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you confide in someone and feel their response minimises your feelings or experiences, or makes you feel ashamed or guilty, it’s important to continue to reach out for help. Every expecting or new parent deserves kindness, respect, and effective perinatal mental health care. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"953bf6a8ac53","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0421d7e0a5a6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"We encourage you to keep reaching out until you feel you’re being heard and supported."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"10d6d580407f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f86c63acd5a7","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Talking to your doctor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"52a4392081ec","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0da044381d2f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"There are many different services and health professionals that can help support your mental health. If you are concerned about yourself or your partner or loved one, a doctor (that is, a General Practitioner or GP) is often a good place to start. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"50cc2ad4d2e9","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","document":{"_id":"3e9170da-2e0e-427f-a832-e5b31624df14","_type":"article","_rev":"e9oiR2gkW2DFWuAPqnrG0m","_createdAt":"2022-02-14T08:41:12Z","_updatedAt":"2024-03-28T04:19:13Z","categories":[{"_key":"4b362e7d570b","_ref":"a4331950-09cf-4e89-9803-5127aa533bc7","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"e97e44188629","_ref":"b84de418-c2a8-4c44-b6ef-628f8a1ce593","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"1e789ffcf782","_ref":"c4172819-1756-470d-8628-b5ffa921681e","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"07ab5855d59f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"13d14b745218","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It's best to talk about it"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"072dc643cc26","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"67acb364f305","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re a new parent or expecting a baby, and you’re worried about how you’re feeling, then talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Below we provide tips on finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"e42fa248ecd7","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02c26121b73f","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The doctor’s role"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"e40616d99ec5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"74a9061ef424","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"There are many different services and health professionals that can help. If you are concerned about yourself or your partner or loved one, a doctor (that is, a General Practitioner or GP) is often a good place to start. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9a06c1026a02","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b1daffe9a386","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Finding the right doctor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"4aa4b2bd4415","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d174f7739c5c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Do you have a regular doctor with whom you can share your concerns? If not, it’s worth looking for a doctor with a special interest in mental health. Ask family and friends for recommendations of doctors who understand mental health, or ring local practices and ask about their doctors. We can help: call the PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline on 1300 726 306 and we will help you to find a doctor in your area."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b2c3c95b941e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7598b9b306cd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Making an appointment"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"6e6e07ab72c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7dae98646b34","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If possible, request a double appointment and let them know it’s about a possible mental health issue. Don’t hesitate to ask for an urgent appointment or cancellation. Mental health issues can be serious, and symptoms can change quickly (see below for what to do if you feel worse before the appointment). Ask for an interpreter if you need one. Many people prefer to talk about sensitive issues in their first language, even if they can speak some English"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"40eb43c26d8f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1536ab6a270b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Consider taking someone"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"h4"},{"_key":"c61251f6b827","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c0ba816a8c03","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Consider taking a trusted person with you to the appointment, like a partner, friend or family member . A common symptom of anxiety or depression is difficulty taking in or remembering information. A trusted person can take notes for you, and might help you to feel more confident about sharing your concerns."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2022-02-14","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"orange60","value":"#FFA688"},"headline":"Talking to your doctor","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","alt":"Mum seeing doctor with baby","asset":{"_ref":"image-f12faa68ea2bd2a18594e7c59bdb785fb44d43a2-500x417-png","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"d757fe214ce4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d9b3853b7454","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Tips on finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"47c962839d97","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"f6d9d0db4055","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"148b115c894f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"95ae5c273ff70","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you’re still not sure about sharing your thoughts or feelings with your doctor, it can help to talk with a loved one or friend first. You can also call the PANDA Helpline. Our counsellors are skilled at helping you to explore your feelings, and to practice aloud the things you want to tell your doctor."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"59c4cff19a3d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1a8177ac599b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Practice the conversation first"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"72490974baf0","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"effbc4dd9b95","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"877fbb2811ce0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s important to tell your doctor about any changes in your thoughts, feelings and behaviours since becoming an expecting or new parent. Remember, these things do not make you a bad parent, but are potential symptoms of a common, treatable health condition. Let the doctor know if you have felt this way and/or been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or another mental health condition before. It’s also important to tell the doctor if you have had previous thoughts of suicide, or if you have lost someone to suicide."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"92847b9f3fdf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e556c7ae5842","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What to tell your doctor"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"d70aa326f74c","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"afb1d1c51263","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5d702f25140b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your doctor should be non-judgemental, respectful and supportive.. They should assess you by asking questions about your symptoms, your and your family’s mental health history, your physical health and lifestyle (e.g. exercise, sleep, use of alcohol or drugs), your living situation, major emotional or psychological experiences, and treatment preferences."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2bd7c207cd94","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"00465bc565fa0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"After assessment, your doctor should be able to provide a diagnosis (although sometimes more tests are needed before they can make a diagnosis) and a treatment plan. They should explain your different treatment options, and why they are referring you to any specialist services."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"334374aa9b9f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"73478b791f18","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What to expect"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"3311e258bd75","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"a5ba4ec70e4a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"91c17bbeb02a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You have the right to fully understand your diagnosis and recommended treatment. You could ask:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4bc3162dd3c5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1e674db35e500","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What are my options for treatment? Which do you think are best for me?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"29499fa2c097","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f88a2e215afc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What are possible side effects of any medications?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8c5c37f91fd5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ff7d9457d7b10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"How much better might I feel, and how soon?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"785afab243a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"754e2b27ec420","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Who are you referring me to? What do they do? How much will it cost? If I have private health insurance, will it be covered? (also check your policy)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"52a13d009398","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9711d2285d470","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Are there other ways that I can care for myself?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1059035e92d4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f9cd51760cd20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Can you talk with my other health care providers about shared care? (e.g. obstetrician, midwife, Maternal and Child Health/Child and Family Health Nurse)."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"77e4e12946dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"01336c0ee6de0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your doctor can refer you to services like counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and occupational therapists. They might give you a mental health care plan, which gives you some Medicare rebates to help you access counselling. For a higher level of care, they might refer you to a Mother Baby Unit — a hospital unit where you stay with your baby — or to another hospital-based psychiatric service."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"5e39c53e4e16","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6e7d757729f3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Questions to ask"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"0fe6884d9fa5","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"a0f34745db53","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a2c2141ba0ce0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Not all doctors have the same experience, confidence or qualifications in supporting patients with mental health issues. If the first doctor you see doesn’t help you enough, please don’t give up. You have a right to get the support you need, to feel better and enjoy your parenting journey."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"11105b443a24","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d722bb40d5090","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call the PANDA National Helpline any time: to find a doctor or other service, for supportive counselling, or to discuss other support options like playgroups or support groups. You can call for yourself or about someone else you are concerned about."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"31a628481730","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f1f0b7bb1fe4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you don't get what you need"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"55f55b8dc810","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"27705a63f8eb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7dea9d64d2d30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you need urgent help before your appointment, call emergency services on triple zero (000) or go to your local hospital emergency department. The symptoms and severity of mental illness can sometimes change quickly. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent help if needed."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5edf7645473e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"693b5731952c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You can call the PANDA National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline for support and ongoing counselling on 1300 726 306, Monday to Friday, 9am to 7.30pm AEST/ADST. You can call about yourself or someone else."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"00f3c1bfa15b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b740844eb25f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you need someone to talk with outside PANDA’s hours, call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Suicide Line on 1300 651 251, or Lifeline on 131114."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"ee768dd29217","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e5933b44caca","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you feel worse"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"c360ec98f5bf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"684a02e0b0a60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"People often forget things that they wanted to tell or ask their doctor during their appointment. It can be helpful to prepare by writing a list of your symptoms, concerns, and questions."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"title":"Prepare for the appointment"},{"_key":"5e8b1caa6593","_type":"fileCollection","files":[{"_key":"c5748ae691a4","_type":"download","background":{"title":"peach40","value":"#FFE4C9"},"cta":"Download","file":{"_type":"file","asset":{"_ref":"file-bec93bd9eb58ae8f35d03b5767093abeb1effd70-pdf","_type":"reference"}},"title":"Talking to your doctor"}],"title":"Factsheets"},{"_key":"f7e660518986","_type":"checklist","field":"content"},{"_key":"780165dc53a5","_type":"helpLine","field":"content"}],"relatedArticles":[{"_key":"d47730980313","_ref":"4af3f3dd-21d7-45c9-b150-2cae7e53c7e9","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"334300bb2126","_ref":"6db1ae16-57eb-45a1-9f7f-e53fd09a8427","_type":"reference"}],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":"Tips on finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation.","metaTitle":"Talking to your doctor","socialImage":{"_type":"image","asset":{"_ref":"image-edcabb975680e1848598b04a6a7ca8809c9fe916-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}}},"sidebarPosts":[{"_key":"03d97dabb92a","_ref":"a1329df5-57c4-454b-8c52-b34451c438ee","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"d1a03409be84","_ref":"50f65345-d46c-4cda-a886-b7bcc3567248","_type":"reference"}],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"talking-to-your-doctor"},"tags":[{"_key":"cbd98d59e44e","_ref":"2df7e53e-9ef7-4ed8-aabe-1623b28de6ec","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"31ba9b178809","_ref":"49993bd9-e417-4743-b155-591d0a496a77","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"05deaeda4ed0","_ref":"98c6d929-2d8d-4cbb-9cfe-13d53cdcb7ad","_type":"reference"}],"title":"Talking to your doctor","id":"-592aeba9-9c48-5c33-9b43-5b33c564b821","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityArticle","contentDigest":"4f877d2f8eea899d6bff1d47cd41ccbd","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":165},"parent":null,"__gatsby_resolved":{"slug":{"current":"talking-to-your-doctor"}}},"linkType":"internal"},"style":"box","text":"Learn more about talking to your doctor"}]},{"question":[{"_key":"e184663e30eb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"68c8c0a77a5a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"What if someone confides in you about how they are feeling?"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"answer":[{"_key":"6ba124c5174f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"02bc5eb50b20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If a parent in your life confides in you that they’re having a hard time coping and are experiencing changes to their mental health such as distressing or overwhelming thoughts and feelings, some helpful responses include:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ab07c53825fd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f91ed42a8705","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"That sounds really hard. I’m here to talk about whatever you want to talk about."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2076ecf93790","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"58039655744c","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It’s okay to feel the way you are feeling. Can I help you find a professional who might be able to put together a support plan with you?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"903b99ba542f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"561d206fe606","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I know that perinatal mental health issues are way more common than most people think. You’re not alone and I’m here to support you."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9a9cbcbf6534","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4a4c8bb50855","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I care about you, and it seems like you’re having a super stressful time. I think talking with someone who is an expert in perinatal health could be really helpful."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f2648f8c2e61","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"db28fc161dbd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Can I do something practical to help, like cook you a meal or watch the baby for an hour?"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8ca310252a49","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9f4e4ed3ed74","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I’m going to check in on you tomorrow and see how you’re going. We’ll get through this together."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6622db86d77f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bf025864a1f8","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If someone tells you they aren’t coping with changes to their mental health, daily function or their ability to care for their baby by themselves, you should always take it seriously. Mental health is highly changeable during pregnancy and after having a baby, and can quickly escalate to an emergency, especially if left untreated. If someone tells you they are seriously afraid of harming themselves or someone else or is behaving in a way that is unusual, they may be experiencing postnatal psychosis. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d034dce19839","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c6f97e05bf42","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are concerned about someone’s safety, call 000 immediately."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}]},{"_key":"5961c82b84c8","_type":"checklist"},{"_key":"65c5084601e1","_type":"helpLine","include":null}],"relatedArticles":[{"title":"What happens when I call the PANDA Helpline? ","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"what-happens-when-i-call-the-panda-helpline"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-885b5eb38f693819a76ea74c94d8b89f2fdcb163-5001x5001-png"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"illustration of mum on phone while holding her baby"},"text":[{"_key":"ed109e5eafa1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e57a343822c30","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When you call PANDA, we’ll provide a free, safe, caring and confidential space for you to talk through any concerns you may have as an expecting or new parent, or support person."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}},{"title":"Perinatal anxiety and depression: Signs and symptoms","_type":"article","slug":{"current":"perinatal-anxiety-and-depression-signs-and-symptoms"},"header":{"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-ada4b459accb2163e9cbbd7006c93b1241d71bd8-774x948-png"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":"Mum and dad holding baby looking uneasy"},"text":[{"_key":"07ea0b737d1a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1a6f299b40d50","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Perinatal anxiety and depression can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or gradually in the weeks and months after."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}],"showFeedbackForm":null,"seo":{"metaTitle":null,"metaDescription":"For many new parents, talking about how they are feeling can be difficult, especially if some of your feelings are negative, scary or doubtful.","socialImage":{"asset":{"_id":"image-502b9c9832b34b86ac3719a1ab45490aef9eb02d-1200x630-png"}}}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"talking-about-perinatal-mental-health","isArticle":true,"lastMod":"2023-12-18"}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["2217905065","3363036388","3383307213","3769966569"]}