Cost of PNDA in Australia

November 8, 2021 Kylianne Farrell

PNDA affects 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers in Australia, with psychological, social and physical factors increasing risk

Perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) is costing Australia $877 million annually, according to a 2019 PwC Australia analysis prepared for Gidget Foundation Australia, entitled, ‘The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia’.

PNDA touches not only the parent experiencing the condition but can also have impacts on the child and wider family, with some of these impacts lasting a lifetime. Understanding the cost of PNDA to Australia can ensure that support for families be available during the critical early parenthood stage where it is needed. The estimated cost of PNDA to the health system, economy and wellbeing of those impacted totalled $877m, comprising of:

health costs attributable to PNDA equalling $227m, comprising increased use of primary
and community health services and hospital health care services and increased risk of
certain conditions for both the parent and child
economic costs of $643m are attributable to productivity losses associated with
increased workforce exit, absenteeism, presenteeism and carer requirements
monetised social and wellbeing impacts include increased likelihood of developmental
issues, depression, anxiety and child ADHD diagnoses,
totalling $7m.

Beyond this are estimated lifetime impacts of $5.2b attributable to the increased risk of depression, anxiety and ADHD in the children of parents with PNDA, affecting wellbeing, productivity and health system use.

Risk Factors for PNDA

November 8, 2021 Kylianne Farrell

Some of the following background factors and circumstances can increase the risk of PNDA:

– A personal history of mental illness

– A family history of mental illness

– Pre-existing misuse of alcohol or other drugs

– Vulnerable personality factors such as low self-esteem or perfectionism

– A personal history of trauma, abuse or other adverse experiences

– Having settled in Australia from another country

– Financial difficulties

– Lack of social and/or practical support network

– LGBTQI+ parents, who can face discrimination and have their family or parenting questioned

– An unsupportive employer e.g. pressure to return to work or lack of flexible options

– Relationship difficulties with partner, mother, father or another key person

– Previous pregnancy, baby or child loss

– Birth of twins or multiples

– Pregnancy or birth complications

– Unplanned pregnancy

– Birth mother younger than 18 years old

– Fertility issues, including IVF or surrogacy

– A rural and remote location

– Culturally or linguistically diverse background

– Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background

– Birth mother older than 35

– A recent or significant bereavement

– Other stressful life events

What are perinatal depression/anxiety signs and symptoms?

November 8, 2021 Kylianne Farrell

An episode of perinatal depression and anxiety can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is diagnosed when several of the following symptoms occur for more than two weeks, causing significant distress or impairment:

– Depressed mood, including feeling sad, empty or hopeless

– Crying for no apparent reason

– Loss of interest or pleasure in life

– Physical symptoms: (changes in appetite, headaches, sweaty palms, heart racing)

– Insomnia or excessive sleep

– Moving more slowly or finding it harder to slow down

– Loss of energy or fatigue

– Not feeling attached or bonded with your baby

– Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, feeling trapped

– Impaired concentration or indecisiveness

– Thoughts of death, self-harm or a suicide attempt

– Difficulty concentrating or focussing

– Feeling unusually restless

– Fear that something awful might happen

– Excessive and generalised worry

– Irritability

– Panic attacks

– Muscle tension

– Sleep disturbance

– Appetite disturbance

– Obsessive or compulsive behaviours

– Other physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweaty hands, stomach complaints

If symptoms have been present for 14 days, and it is starting to impact a parents ability to have wellbeing and positive functioning it may be time to encourage professional support like The Gidget Foundation.

What is perinatal depression/anxiety?

November 8, 2021 Kylianne Farrell

Pregnancy and the first year of parenthood (the perinatal period) is a unique time and involves major changes in a person’s life. The challenges of this adjustment to parenthood are often underestimated within our society and cultures. All expectant and new parents, including both mums and dads or partners, will have some good days and bad days. Ups and downs are expected and common. But when bad days become the norm, a parent may be experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety.

Perinatal depression and anxiety affect almost 100,000 expectant and new parents in Australia each year. Often, estimates for anxiety and depression are combined because many new parents experience symptoms of both. Sometimes, one may present more strongly than the other.

Create a Safety Plan

May 1, 2021 Kylianne Farrell

Having thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming.

A safety plan can be helpful during these times. It puts all your coping tools in a series of steps:

Recognising your warning signs
Making your surroundings safe
Reminders of reasons to live
Things that can make you feel strong
People and places to connect with
Family and friends you can talk or yarn with
Professional support

Research has shown having a safety plan can be useful for reducing the intensity of suicidal thoughts and increasing people’s ability to cope with them.