Being a parent can put unexpected stress on families, creating cycles of doubt, isolation, anxiety and depression at a time when they feel they should be feeling happy and contented. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five mothers of children aged 24 months or less has been diagnosed with depression and more than half of these mothers reported being diagnosed with depression during the perinatal period[1].
New dads also experience postnatal depression and anxiety, with one in 10 having difficulty coping after their partner has a baby[2].
Getting help early is the key to developing a healthy bond between a parent and their baby and moving towards a more enjoyable and fulfilling parenting experience. Our work in this area is to recognise the importance of early childhood development in the Western Sydney community. By developing integrated systems that promote the health and wellbeing of all children and families in our region, we can create partnerships that address the social and economic determinants of health, ensuring children reach their potential no matter where they live.
As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, we commission St John of God Raphael Services to offer a perinatal program that includes psychiatry-led therapy and support for parents from conception through to their baby’s second birthday.
St John of God Raphael Services provides free or no out-of-pocket personalised counselling and support for parents and families through the emotional challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood. Their services are also available for parents going through prenatal testing and pregnancy loss.
Their multidisciplinary teams deliver personalised, community-based care that enables parents to access and develop the support they need to thrive. The range of services they provide include:
> Individual counselling: A one-on-one meeting with a clinician for perinatal mental health counselling and therapy. These sessions can now be delivered via telehealth (phone or video).
> Group therapy: An opportunity to connect with other parents who are experiencing similar feelings and challenges. This allows other members of the group to brainstorm specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge.
> Psychiatric support: Treatment for mental health disorders, including prescriptions for medication if appropriate.
How to access support
Raphael Services is a community-based service and as such supports people who are not in acute distress and by appointment only.
GPs can create a mental health care plan for their patients who require support and refer them to St John of God Raphael Services located in Blacktown:
36-38 First Avenue, Blacktown 2148
For more information about this service, call 1800 292 292 or visit their website.
To find out more about our other commissioned services that support families, visit our Child and Family webpage.
Tala’s Story
Tala* was referred to St John of God Raphael Services after suffering from self-harm and being diagnosed with postnatal depression. As Tala’s mental health was deteriorating, so was her relationship with her newborn. After participating in counselling, psycho-education and cognitive behavioural therapy group sessions through St John of God Raphael Services, she has stopped self-harming and continues to make positive progress to strengthen her connection with her daughter and her husband.
Read the full story: Tala’s Story
Perinatal Mental Health Week Presentation
St John of God Raphael Services is hosting an in-person event for GPs that includes a presentation by Dr Maryam Aghdaee, Consultant Psychiatrist at Raphael Services. The evening will be an interactive session with case discussion to facilitate learning. Find out more about the event and RSVP by Thursday 10 November 2022.
3 November 2022
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012), Perinatal depression
Data from the 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey, Available on: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/primary-health-care/perinatal-depression-data-from-the-2010-australia/summary
[2] St John of God Health Care, Support for New Dads, Available on: https://www.sjog.org.au/our-services/community-and-youth-services/st-john-of-god-raphael-services/emotional-support-for-dads