Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression, with anxiety being just as common. This could include symptoms such as panic attacks, persistent, generalised worry, feeling constantly sad or having abrupt mood swings. Sometimes these symptoms continue even after pregnancy and may affect your ability to bond with your newborn.
If you or someone that you know is suffering from these symptoms, it is important to know that there is help, you are not alone. Please pop by and see me in clinic for more information.
Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a greater number of people struggling with mental health and other related conditions following the pandemic.
Whatever your circumstance, always know that your General Practitioner is a great place to start to get help. Sometimes, just having a chat could be all you need.
If you think you may be affected and would like further advice, please pop by and see me in clinic.
1 in 5 Australians between the ages of 16-85 will experience a mental disorder in any year. The most common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Mental health not only affects adults but it also affects our youth of today.
Being a GP, mental health covers over half of my consults in any given day and the commonest feeling? Feeling alone and isolated.
We are so fortunate that mental health is no longer ‘taboo’ and there is so much help out there from support groups to psychologists and medication. The hardest step is recognising the need to ask for help. This mental health week, I am encouraging those of you who may be affected and haven’t made a connection for help to make a brave step forward. You’re not alone and I’d love to help you on your journey back to good health.
