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Psychologists are calling for Medicare to be expanded so that new parents can get better mental health support, which in turn will improve their child’s wellbeing. Ahead of the federal budget next Tuesday, the Australian Psychological Society is shedding light on the health problems parents face in the period immediately before and after the birth. The Society’s president, Tamara Cavenett, says that one in seven women experiences depression and anxiety in the perinatal period, just before and just after giving birth. Depression and anxiety in such women are linked to an increased risk of premature birth, decreased mother-child bond, and delayed development of the child. “Support and intervention during this period have positive social and economic impacts throughout the child’s life,” Ms. Cavenett told AAP. “Better results for parents mean better results for children.” We need to help parents as early as possible for their own mental health, but also for the impact this can have on their child’s wellbeing. “She says the coronavirus pandemic and associated social isolation, the Gidget Foundation Australia reported a 122 percent increase in pregnant women and young mothers seeking assistance this year. The number of calls to the organization’s national helpline for Maternal mental health doubled in 2020. The foundation was established by the family and friends of an Australian woman, nicknamed Gidget, who committed suicide during postnatal depression. The foundation provides free specialty psychological care services to families who are during Emotional distress in pregnancy and early parenthood Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Australian Associated Press

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Psychologists are calling for Medicare to be expanded so that new parents can get better mental health support, which in turn will improve their child’s wellbeing.

Ahead of the federal budget next Tuesday, the Australian Psychological Society is shedding light on the health problems parents face in the period immediately before and after the birth.

The Society’s president, Tamara Cavenett, says that one in seven women experiences depression and anxiety in the perinatal period, just before and just after giving birth.

Depression and anxiety in such women are linked to an increased risk of premature birth, decreased mother-child bond, and delayed development of the child.

“Support and intervention during this period have positive social and economic impacts throughout the child’s life,” Ms. Cavenett told AAP.

“Better results for parents mean better results for children.

“We need to help parents as early as possible for their own mental health, but also for the impact this can have on their child’s well-being.”

She says the coronavirus pandemic and associated social isolation had a tremendous impact on the mental health of the already vulnerable group.

The Gidget Foundation Australia has reported a 122 percent increase in pregnant women and young mothers seeking assistance this year.

Calls to the Maternal Mental Health Organization’s national hotline doubled in 2020.

The foundation was established by the family and friends of an Australian woman, nicknamed Gidget, who took her own life during postnatal depression.

The foundation provides free specialized psychological treatment services to families suffering from emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenting.

Australian Associated Press