Nicole Highet1, Amanda L Stevenson2, Carol Purtell3, Soledad Coo4. 1. Centre of Perinatal Excellence, COPE, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: nicole.highet@cope.org.au. 2. Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Melbourne, Australia. 3. Centre of Perinatal Excellence, COPE, Melbourne, Australia. 4. Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety are usually described and understood from a nosological perspective. This research sought to gain insight into women's lived experience of postnatal depression and anxiety, the factors that contribute to these symptoms and the context in which they develop. METHOD: Face to face and telephone interviews were conducted with 28 women from metropolitan and rural areas across Australia, who had experienced postnatal depression and/or anxiety within the last five years. Analysis was conducted from a grounded theory perspective. FINDINGS: Particular symptoms of anxiety and depression develop in the context of the numerous changes inherent to the transition to motherhood and contribute to a common experience of frustration and loss. Symptoms were also associated with feelings of dissatisfaction with the pregnancy and motherhood experience. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide useful insights into women's experiences of mental health symptoms during the perinatal period, how these symptoms present and the factors involved in their development and maintenance. The need to consider women's perspectives to develop resources and health promotions strategies, as well as within the context of relationships with health professionals is highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for greater, more accurate information surrounding perinatal depression and the need to increase the profile and awareness of anxiety disorders.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety are usually described and understood from a nosological perspective. This research sought to gain insight into women's lived experience of postnatal depression and anxiety, the factors that contribute to these symptoms and the context in which they develop. METHOD: Face to face and telephone interviews were conducted with 28 women from metropolitan and rural areas across Australia, who had experienced postnatal depression and/or anxiety within the last five years. Analysis was conducted from a grounded theory perspective. FINDINGS: Particular symptoms of anxiety and depression develop in the context of the numerous changes inherent to the transition to motherhood and contribute to a common experience of frustration and loss. Symptoms were also associated with feelings of dissatisfaction with the pregnancy and motherhood experience. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide useful insights into women's experiences of mental health symptoms during the perinatal period, how these symptoms present and the factors involved in their development and maintenance. The need to consider women's perspectives to develop resources and health promotions strategies, as well as within the context of relationships with health professionals is highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for greater, more accurate information surrounding perinatal depression and the need to increase the profile and awareness of anxiety disorders.
Authors: Stephanie A Schuette; Kara M Brown; Danielle A Cuthbert; Cynthia W Coyle; Katherine L Wisner; M Camille Hoffman; Amy Yang; Jody D Ciolino; Rebecca L Newmark; Crystal T Clark Journal: J Altern Complement Med Date: 2016-11-17 Impact factor: 2.579
Authors: Victoria Fallon; Jason Christian Grovenor Halford; Kate Mary Bennett; Joanne Allison Harrold Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2016-08-29 Impact factor: 3.633