St John of God Health Care’s mental health services now includes a perinatal mental health service.
The Wexford Unit at the Langmore Centre at Berwick offers care to both parents or primary carers.
“While pregnancy and new parenthood is an exciting time, it can also be extremely difficult for parents,” Langmore Centre CEO Linda Allen said.
She said it was important for expecting and new parents to know that perinatal mental illness was common, but also very treatable.
Depression, anxiety, stress, attachment difficulties, struggles with transitioning to parenthood and unresolved grief issues are just some of the reasons one or both parents might need to access the Langmore Centre.
Ms Allen said the antenatal (pre-birth) and postnatal (following birth) periods could be challenging emotionally, physically and mentally.
She said many people who were pregnant or cared for an infant could experience an exacerbation of a previous mental health condition, or even develop one prior to having a baby and/or in the days or months after birth.
The 60-bed mental health hospital has a 12-bed unit dedicated to perinatal mental health. Patients are encouraged to invite their partner or support person to room-in for the duration of their stay.
Their baby can also stay, if aged under 18 months and not yet walking.
Parents can take advantage of shared art, music and exercise therapy areas, a café, chapel, daily newspapers, free parking, outdoor courtyards and a sensory garden, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, pastoral care services and a quiet room.
“We have a highly-skilled team of mental health professionals equipped to deliver the best possible patient care,” Ms Allen said.
“Depending on individual needs, patients will be supported by mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, pastoral care practitioners, exercise physiologists, and occupational, art and music therapists.
“A lactation consultant and other allied health professionals will also be on-hand to assist where needed.
“SJG Langmore Centre takes a holistic approach to patient recovery, with tailored services offered to treat a patient’s entire being.
“This means, not only addressing their mental health condition but their physical, emotional and spiritual needs as well.”
The SJGHC Berwick Hospital and Langmore Centre can partner with its Raphael Services in Berwick ─ a social outreach initiative that offers counselling, support and therapy for new families with no out-of-pocket expenses attached.
Specialising in perinatal anxiety and depression, clients can access Raphael Services through a GP referral from conception up until their child’s fourth birthday.
These complementary services will work toward establishing early intervention and screening tools to help recognise parents with mental health issues or those at risk of developing them through various stages of pregnancy and parenthood.
Family members requiring inpatient care or outpatient appointments with a psychiatrist may then be referred to the Langmore Centre.
“Feeling a little emotional and anxious after the arrival of a new baby is normal, but if a low mood and feelings of anxiety persist for more than a couple of weeks and are interfering with a parent’s ability to function or enjoy the things that they would normally look forward to, it is possible they are experiencing perinatal anxiety and/or depression and accessing clinical support may be beneficial, if not necessary,” Ms Allen said.
Symptoms vary but can include feeling sad and teary for no obvious reason; persistent feelings of worry or fear often to do with the health and wellbeing of their baby; persistent feelings of panic; persistent irritability; trouble sleeping; mood swings; tiredness and lack of energy.
“Although these are the most common signs, there are others,” Ms Allen said.
“So if you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can so they can connect you with the most appropriate supports and resources available.
“You can also call our Langmore Centre on 9773 7000 for more information on our facility and mental health services, as well as seek guidance on the admission process.”
The Langmore Centre is at 3 Gibb Street, Berwick.
