Postnatal depression (PND) affects up to one in seven Australian mothers (16%) according to Beyond Blue, so it’s possible you have worked, or are working, with a sufferer. You may have experienced it yourself.
While about 80% of women experience the ‘baby blues’ (which usually go away after a few days), the symptoms of depression can be harder to detect – in ourselves and in other people – and it doesn’t only affect women.
One in 20 fathers are now diagnosed with depression in Australia during the antenatal or postnatal period each year, according to a 2012 Deloitte study. But the total number of men affected could be higher accounting for those who don’t seek diagnosis or support. And although men can develop PND independent of their partners, men are more at risk of developing it if their partner is suffering.
The economic cost of PND in Australia is alarming with Deloitte’s Cost of Perinatal Depression in Australia report showing that PND cost the Australian economy about $433.52 million in 2012, including $310.34 million for lost productivity. And the costs are substantially higher for men than women, thanks to higher average earnings for men and time spent out of the workforce for women after birth.
While most new parents will experience changing sleeping or eating patterns, there are certain PND symptoms to watch out for – in your partner and/or colleagues at work.
“Symptoms include sleep disturbance, changes in eating behaviour, feeling like crying all the time, being anxious and irritable, and sometimes fearing being alone,” says psychologist Sabina Read. “Depression can occur during pregnancy, after birth or in the weeks and months that follow.”
Other symptoms, according to Beyond Blue, include loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyed, feeling unmotivated and unable to cope with the daily routine, withdrawing from social contact, having trouble thinking clearly or making decisions, lack of concentration and poor memory, and wanting to escape or get away from everything.
According to PANDA – the Post and Antenatal Depression Association – employers should watch out for patterns of absenteeism as well as a lack of engagement and productivity at work, which can occur particularly in new fathers who may not reach out for assistance.
“The signs are not always black and white and many cases are still going unrecognised, unsupported and untreated, leaving countless new parents suffering in silence,” says PANDA CEO Belinda Horton.
How to help if you’re noticing the signs
Returning to work after a baby is challenging for any parent, but for some it can exacerbate existing feelings of depression or failure when the pressure gets too much.
According to Read returning to work can actually be a helpful step for some women (and men) if their workplace has a culture that is aware, supportive and open.
While a new parent’s partner and/or family members will often need to initiate help and play a major role in the ongoing care of them, Read says employers and colleagues can be a very helpful resource if they’re aware of the complex demands new parents face when returning to work.
“Employers who offer job security, a sense of control and flexibility can help transition women back to work during this often demanding period,” says Read, who’s a consultant for Transitioning Well – a group that works with various organisations to find ways to support women transitioning back to work during this time of change.
“Colleagues and employers can help by asking how the individual is coping and showing an interest in their wellbeing,” she says. “Be careful to avoid diagnosing and stick to observable changes in behaviour you have noticed. Help by connecting them to resources which can help, including PANDA, Beyond Blue and Transitioning Well.”
PANDA is urging employers to watch all new mothers and fathers returning to work and to proactively offer assistance and flexibility when required. And it’s important to recognise the stress often placed on fathers whose partners are suffering from PND.
“I had many days when I’d get a phone call from my wife crying so hard she couldn’t speak and I just had to cancel meetings, drop everything at work and come home,” a father told PANDA. “Work dropped down my list of priorities and my productivity went down significantly. It was emotionally and physically draining and I was really lucky in having an understanding employer and colleagues.”