Although pregnancy has traditionally been considered a time of emotional well-being, recent data indicates that about 10 per cent of women experience clinically significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
Having to deal with so many changes during pregnancy and the year following birth can place some women at risk of developing depression, anxiety or other less common mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis.
It is important for all women to take care of their emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood.
It’s also a good idea for both mums and dads to learn about mental health symptoms so they can recognise when help is needed if you are finding it difficult to manage from day to day.
If you have been feeling sad, down, worried or anxious for a while, and/or this is starting to affect your life, it’s time to seek help.
To educate and inform about to be parents, SADAG will be hosting a Facebook Friday chat this Friday, 20th March from 1pm-2pm with psychologist Candice Cowen and birthing expert and social worker Sally Baker, and then another chat from 7pm-8pm with psychiatrist Dr Carina Marsay.
They will be answering all your questions and providing information on what symptoms to look out for, what are the warning signs, what treatment is available, is it safe to take meds whilst pregnant and breastfeeding and what support and help is available to moms and family members.
To join the chat, log in www.sadag.org or go to our Facebook Page: “The South African Depression and Anxiety Group”
Often there doesn’t seem to be any obvious reason why a woman starts to experience symptoms, but certain life factors such as, unwanted pregnancies, poverty, extreme stress, exposure to violence (domestic, sexual and gender-based), and trauma, can increase risks for specific disorders and make it more likely that the experience of pregnancy and early parenthood may be complicated by mental health symptoms.
It’s important to remember that mental health problems can happen to anyone, just like any other complication of pregnancy such as high blood pressure or asthma.
If you are experiencing difficulties during your pregnancy or if you are suffering from depression or bipolar and are ready to start planning a family and would like a few answers to your questions, join the chat, or call SADAG now on 0800 21 22 23 or visit our website www.sadag.org for more info.
