Coordinated Primary Options Mental Health Programme
Postnatal Depression and Anxiety Support Group A group for women experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety or struggling emotionally with the adjustments and demands in the first year of child rearing. Women are more likely to develop a mental illness during the childbearing years than at any other time in their lives. Between 10 and 20% of women experience symptoms of depression or anxiety within the first year of a child being born and research indicates that without timely and effective intervention, this can have serious consequences for women, their babies and families.
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Self-care and self-esteem.
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Communication and relationships.
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Mother/baby interaction – enhancing the relationship with baby. –
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Challenging thinking between thoughts, behaviour.
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Stress and relaxation stress and coping skills.
– connection feelings and
understanding
Group details: The aim of the group is to provide a safe, supportive environment where women are able to discuss their experiences. The group aims to provide an understanding of postnatal depression and anxiety and the expectations and realities of motherhood. As well as providing a safe place for women to discuss their experiences and receive support, the group also provides education and strategies for recovery. Each week will focus on a different topic related to maternal mental health.
The group will be held for eight weeks in each school term on Wednesday afternoons from 12.30 – 2.30pm. The group is facilitated by a qualified counsellor who is a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors. Child minding is available for babies and preschoolers. This is provided by volunteers. For a referral to this group, please see your GP or Plunket nurse.
Topics include: For further information, please contact: •
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Understanding postnatal distress / depression and the impact of imbalance on mood and coping. Challenging expectations and myths of motherhood.
PND client information sheet
Sylvia Donaldson Ph 571 7160 Mental Health Coordinator Western Bay of Plenty Organisation (PHO).
Primary
Health