Our Services / Postnatal Depression Psychologist
Postnatal Depression Psychologist
The baby bubble is a beautiful thing, but the experience of postnatal depression is more common than most of us would like to believe. Having a child is an enormous undertaking for everyone involved – it’s a monumental life change that can quickly begin to feel overwhelming and isolating. We think it’s important to get clued up on everything to do with postnatal depression (otherwise known as postpartum depression), so that you understand how to navigate it if you think you may be experiencing it; and, if it’s right for you, we can guide you in finding your postnatal depression psychologist.
What is postnatal depression?
It’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed and a little lonely during the first phase of your baby’s life – after all, you just created a living breathing human. But postnatal depression isn’t just the baby blues – it’s a lot deeper than that.
When feelings of sadness, numbness or hopelessness start to become part of your everyday experience after having a baby, you may be experiencing postnatal depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and long-lasting than fleeting feelings of overwhelm – and they become a major issue when they impact your ability to cope with everyday life.
The low mood that hovers with postnatal depression can manifest in a range of symptoms, including trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and changes in mood. The birth of a baby, combined with a severe lack of sleep, a molotov cocktail of hormones, and the reality of having suddenly have someone to care for 24/7 can cause parents to slide into depressive periods. And when it’s not treated, those periods can last a long time.
How common is Postnatal Depression?
If you feel that you’re experiencing Postnatal Depression, you are not alone. Did you know that postnatal depression affects about 1 in 5 Aussie mums and 1 in 10 dads in the first year after having a new baby? So, as you can see, Postnatal Depression is pretty common, but so many do not realise that seeing a Postnatal Depression Psychologist is an option when juggling a baby. We’re here to tell you that it absolutely is.
What’s the difference between post baby blues and Postnatal Depression?
Hormonal changes are completely across the board when it comes to having a baby – so don’t fret if you feel down in the first few weeks after giving birth. About 4 out of 5 new mamas experience some sort of ‘baby blues’ immediately after bringing life into the world, and these feelings can be pinned down by the tsunami of hormones coursing through the body. It’s normal to feel tearful, anxious, moody and have trouble sleeping. While these feelings can seem awful, they will usually pass.
When these symptoms last longer than 2-3 weeks, it could signify the onset of postnatal depression. While you’re in the baby bubble, it might feel tricky to figure out whether your emotions are normal or something more sinister. The best way to approach this is to check in with a trusted mental health professional, doctor or child health nurse.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can suffer from postnatal depression, you’re more likely to be susceptible if you:
- Have a history of mental illness
- Have had previous pregnancy losses
- Had a difficult birth
- Have a baby who is unwell
- Have a history of abuse
- Have a lack of social support
- Are unsupported at home
- Suffered depression during pregnancy
When Should You Speak to a Postnatal Depression Psychologist?
Knowing when to reach out for support can feel tricky, especially when everyone keeps telling you that feeling exhausted, emotional or overwhelmed is “just part of being a new parent.” And sure, the newborn stage can be a lot. But you don’t have to wait until things feel completely unmanageable before getting help.
Speaking with a postnatal depression psychologist can be helpful if you’ve been feeling persistently low, disconnected, anxious, tearful, numb, guilty, angry or unlike yourself after having a baby. You might also notice that you’re struggling to bond with your baby, finding it hard to enjoy things, withdrawing from loved ones, or feeling like you’re constantly failing, even when you’re doing your absolute best.
Postnatal depression counselling gives you a safe, supportive space to talk honestly about what’s going on without fear of judgement. Together, you and your therapist can unpack what you’re experiencing, build practical coping strategies and help you feel more steady, supported and like yourself again.
You don’t need to have all the answers before you book a session. If something feels off, that’s enough reason to reach out.
Postnatal Depression Support for Mums, Dads and Partners
Postnatal depression doesn’t only affect mums. Dads, partners and non-birthing parents can also experience depression, anxiety, overwhelm and emotional burnout after the arrival of a baby.
Becoming a parent can shift everything — your sleep, your relationship, your routines, your identity and your sense of control. For some people, those changes feel exciting. For others, they feel heavy, lonely or completely destabilising. Sometimes, it’s both.
A postpartum depression therapist or postnatal psychologist can support new parents through the emotional load of this transition. Therapy can help you make sense of what you’re feeling, strengthen communication with your partner, manage stress and build healthier ways to cope with the pressure of early parenthood.
Whether you’re the birthing parent, a dad, a partner or a support person who’s worried about someone you love, you deserve support too.
Postnatal Depression Psychologist & Other Treatments
As with all forms of depression it’s vital to understand that working through Postnatal Depression requires a 360 degree approach – you need to hit this from all angles. Let your family and friends know how you’re feeling, ensure you are making time to give to yourself. But when it comes to taking care of your mental health, seeking the guidance of a therapist can help equip you with the tools and strategies you need to guide you through the storm and allow you to embrace parenthood with open arms.
Some common tools for working through postpartum depression include:
- Speaking up; accepting help and emotional support from loved ones
- Keeping your body as healthy as possible by eating a balanced diet and staying active, even if it’s 5 minutes of walking per day.
- Taking advantage of any sleep you can get, even if it’s 15 minutes while your baby sleeps
- The use of relaxation techniques, including breathwork and muscle relaxation
- Seeking support from a Postnatal Depression Psychologist
But this is only scratching the surface.
If you’re a new parent having a hard time at the moment, speaking to a postnatal psychologist can really help. We’ve put together a brilliant team of postnatal experts to help you on your postpartum journey. Click through to find out more about our psychologists and book an online therapy session today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if what I’m feeling is postnatal depression?
It can be hard to tell, especially when everyone keeps saying things like “newborn life is just hard” or “you’re meant to be tired.”
But if you’ve been feeling persistently sad, anxious, numb, irritable, disconnected or overwhelmed after having a baby, it may be more than the usual baby blues. You might also be struggling with sleep, appetite, bonding, guilt, intrusive thoughts, or feeling like you’re not coping.
You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable. If you feel unlike yourself, speaking with a postnatal depression psychologist can be a gentle and supportive place to start.
I love my baby, so why do I feel so low?
This is something so many new parents feel, and it can come with a lot of guilt. But feeling low, disconnected or overwhelmed doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby. It means you might need more support.
Postnatal depression can affect your mood, energy, confidence, relationships and sense of self. Postnatal depression counselling gives you a safe space to talk honestly about what’s going on, without pretending everything is fine.
Can I see a postnatal psychologist online in Australia?
Yes. The Indigo Project offers online therapy, which means you can connect with a postnatal psychologist from home, wherever you are in Australia.
Online sessions can be especially helpful when you’re juggling feeds, naps, recovery, childcare, or just trying to get through the day. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or a regional area, online postnatal depression counselling makes support easier to access.
What actually happens in postnatal depression treatment?
Postnatal depression treatment isn’t about judging your parenting or telling you what you “should” be doing. It’s about supporting you as a whole person — not just as a parent.
Your therapist may help you work through low mood, anxiety, guilt, intrusive thoughts, relationship stress, birth trauma, identity changes or the pressure that can come with new parenthood. Together, you’ll build practical coping tools and strategies that feel realistic for your life right now.
Is postnatal depression the same as postpartum depression?
Yes, the terms are often used to describe the same experience. In Australia, “postnatal depression” is more commonly used, while “postpartum depression” is also widely recognised.
So whether you’re searching for a postnatal depression psychologist, postpartum depression therapist or postnatal depression counselling, you’re looking for support for depression that can occur after having a baby.
Can dads and partners get postnatal depression counselling too?
Absolutely. Postnatal depression can affect mums, dads, partners and non-birthing parents. A new baby can shift everything — sleep, routines, relationships, identity and emotional capacity.
A postnatal therapist can help partners manage overwhelm, stress, low mood, anxiety and adjustment to parenthood. Support isn’t only for the person who gave birth. Every new parent deserves care.
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