At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our psychologists in Hobart provide compassionate, evidence-based support for parents experiencing antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. We also offer telehealth psychology across Australia. Please contact us for more information.
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You thought you would feel happy. Or at least relieved. You had prepared, you had waited, and now the baby is here, and instead of the joy you were expecting, there is something heavier. A flatness. Or a fear that will not settle. Or a sadness that has no explanation you can give anyone without it sounding wrong.
Or maybe it started during the pregnancy, not after. The anxiety that arrived with the positive test and never really went away. If you have been searching for a postnatal anxiety or depression psychologist in Hobart, or wondering whether what you are feeling during pregnancy counts as something worth raising, this is a common and treatable starting point.
Postnatal and antenatal anxiety and depression are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postnatal period. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia), together with Gidget Foundation Australia's 2024 cost study, reports that perinatal depression affects around 100,000 Australian families every year, about 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers or partners.
Antenatal depression occurs during pregnancy, while postnatal depression occurs after the birth of a baby. Both are distinct from the “baby blues,” a brief, common period of emotional sensitivity and tearfulness in the first one to two weeks after birth that typically resolves without treatment.
Postnatal depression involves persistent low mood, exhaustion, anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby, or an inability to find pleasure in daily life that extends beyond the first two weeks and significantly affects functioning. Perinatal mental health conditions are recognised internationally as a major public health priority given their prevalence and their impact on both parents and child development.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please contact your GP, PANDA on 1300 726 306, or emergency services immediately. You are not alone, and immediate support is available.
Postnatal depression in mothers is often dismissed or minimised, by the person experiencing it and by those around them. There can be significant shame associated with not feeling the way you imagined you would about your baby or your new life. Many mothers describe a profound sense of isolation, believing they are the only person who does not find this period joyful.
Postnatal depression is not a reflection of how much you love your baby or how capable a parent you are. It is a treatable medical condition that responds well to psychological support. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes for both mother and baby, including positive effects on infant attachment and development.
Antenatal mental health receives less attention than postnatal, but it is equally important. Anxiety and depression during pregnancy are as common as postnatal presentations, yet often go unrecognised because they are attributed to normal pregnancy worry or dismissed as hormonal. Untreated antenatal depression and anxiety are associated with elevated risk of premature birth and low birth weight (Accortt, Cheadle, & Schetter, 2015). Early support during pregnancy not only helps the parent but may also have protective effects for the developing baby
Partners, including fathers, are significantly affected by the perinatal period and are far less likely to seek support. PANDA reports that up to 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal depression, yet paternal postnatal depression is rarely discussed and even more rarely treated. Partners may experience profound changes in identity, relationship dynamics, and daily life that are not validated by the support systems available to them. At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, we welcome fathers and partners experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties and provide the same evidence-based, compassionate support we offer to all new parents.
Treatment for perinatal depression and anxiety is effective, and seeking support early makes a significant difference.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is strongly supported for postnatal depression and anxiety, addressing unhelpful thought patterns including perfectionism, catastrophising, and self-critical beliefs about parenting.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is highly beneficial for regulating intense emotions and building distress tolerance, helping parents manage the overwhelming transitions of the postpartum period while developing mindful, non-judgmental acceptance of their thoughts and experiences.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT for postnatal depression focuses specifically on the relationship changes, role transitions, and isolation that accompany the perinatal period, and is recommended as a first-line treatment (Australian Psychological Society, 2024).
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): CFT specifically addresses the shame and self-criticism that frequently accompany perinatal mental health difficulties, building a kinder, more compassionate inner voice.
Mindfulness-based approaches can reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation during the perinatal period.
For immediate telephone support, PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) provides confidential helpline support on 1300 726 306.
Your first session is a confidential, non-judgemental space. We understand that reaching out when you are also caring for a newborn or managing a pregnancy is not easy, and we make every effort to provide flexible, accessible support. Telehealth sessions are available for those who cannot easily leave home.
We accept Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme, Workers Compensation, and private health insurance. Self-referral is also accepted and no GP referral is required to book.
What is the difference between the baby blues and postnatal depression?
The baby blues are a brief, common period of emotional sensitivity and tearfulness in the first one to two weeks after birth that resolves without treatment. Postnatal depression persists beyond two weeks and significantly affects functioning, and it benefits from assessment and support.
Can antenatal depression affect my baby?
Untreated antenatal depression and anxiety are associated with elevated risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Support during pregnancy is important for both parent and baby.
Do fathers and partners really experience postnatal depression too?
Yes. PANDA reports that up to 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal depression, though it is rarely discussed and even more rarely treated. We welcome fathers and partners for the same evidence-based support offered to mothers.
Will seeking help mean my baby is taken away from me?
No. Seeking support for perinatal depression or anxiety is a sign of strength, not a risk to your custody of your baby. Our role is to help you recover, not to make child protection judgements
Is postnatal depression treatment covered by Medicare?
Many clients access sessions through a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDIS, DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme, and workers compensation or private health cover may also apply depending on your circumstances.
Accortt, E. E., Cheadle, A. C., & Schetter, C. D. (2015). Prenatal depression and adverse birth outcomes: An updated systematic review. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(6), 1306–1337.
Brockington, I. F., et al. (2011). A screening questionnaire for mother-infant bonding disorders. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 14(1), 59–68.
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). (2023). Australian clinical practice guideline for the management of perinatal mental health conditions.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) & Gidget Foundation Australia. (2024). The cost of perinatal depression and anxiety in Australia.
Australian Psychological Society. (2024). Evidence-based psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders: A literature review (5th ed.).
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