Parenting is hard but getting help doesn’t need to be.
Last year St John of God Langmore Centre expanded its mental health support services to include a brand new parent and infant unit aimed at helping expectant and new parents overcome the challenges that inevitably come with having a baby.
It’s no secret that four out of five parents experience the baby blues in the first few weeks following the birth of a child.
What isn’t so commonly known is that for 20 percent of parents, feelings of sadness, numbness or hopelessness can continue and might become severe enough to impact a person’s ability to cope with and enjoy everyday life.
Postnatal depression and/or anxiety can have serious consequences for both a parent and their baby.
Early detection and treatment is vital, with a visit to a GP a great first step in ruling out other conditions.
If postnatal depression or anxiety is confirmed, there are lots of support options available and a referral to St John of God Langmore Centre can be easily obtained from your doctor.
At St John of God Langmore Centre, treatment plans are individually tailored using a holistic approach that addresses a parent’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs – all very important components to recovery.
Patients benefit from multidisciplinary treatment options that include help from psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, pastoral care practitioners, exercise physiologists, art and music therapists, mental health nurses and lactation consultants.
Located centrally in Berwick, the safe and secure facility caters to families, with patients encouraged to have their partner or support person stay onsite with them while they undergo treatment.
Babies up to 18 months who are not yet walking are additionally accommodated with a separate, in-room nursery also available to use.
More information can be found at www.sjog.org.au/langmorecentre or by calling 9773 7071.
