2002 International International Biennial Scientific Meeting

CONSUMER QUESTIONS TO A NATIONAL HELPLINE FOR PRE AND POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Karen Burns

Dona Maria Pre and Postnatal Support Network, Sydney

kburns@stjohnofgod.org.au

The Dona Maria Pre and Postnatal Support Network provide a national dedicated helpline for families affected by pre and postnatal depression. The service provides crisis and supportive counseling, information, resources and a referral base to callers. A breakdown of data from a sample of 3350 calls demonstrates that 50% of callers are mothers, 21% service providers and 6% are fathers. The nature of problems discussed are 53% depression, 34% anxiety, 18% relationship problems, 17% of sleeping difficulties of the mother and 9% panic attacks. Antenatal depression was the primary reason for contact in 8% of callers, and 39% of women accessing the service state that they had experienced postnatal depression previously.

The presentation will explore some of the more common questions asked by consumers and health professionals. They range from mothers wanting to discuss the symptoms she is having, queries in regard to anti depressants and breastfeeding, fathers feelings in relating to a partner with irritability, supporting pregnant women with a previous history of PND and health professionals wanting access to local and specialized services. It will also outline some of the issues rural families experience, and discuss on the helpline.

It is hoped this presentation will allow health professionals to gain a picture of the questions that consumers have, and keep these in mind when talking with families.