Antenatal anxiety and depression is a common illness affecting up to one-in-ten women during pregnancy, and up to one-in-twenty men. It affects women and men from all walks of life, regardless of age or history. However there are a number of risk factors making some women and men more vulnerable to antenatal anxiety and depression.
These include:
- Prior history of mental illness
- Lack of support (including partner, family and broader social)
- Past abuse or trauma
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Stressful events
- Past conception/pregnancy complications
- Absence of own mother
- Pre-existing physical illness
If you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression and want to talk to someone, the PANDA support line is open Monday - Friday from 9am-7.30pm 1300 726 306. Always call 000 in an emergency.