By Dawn Kingston
Many women think that if they struggle with depression or anxiety during pregnancy it will all go away when the baby is born. Recent studies tell us this just isn’t true.
I was quite taken aback by the recent death of Kate Spade, fashion icon, by suicide. Much has been written about her death, but what struck me is how long she suffered from depression.
And it saddens me to think that any woman should suffer across her life with depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses.
Prenatal depression and anxiety can last
What many people don’t realise is that some women’s struggles started during pregnancy. Yes – prenatal depression and anxiety can continue – for years. In fact, for over 20 years based on recent research of over 3,000 Australian women.
And the numbers aren’t small.
For every five women who struggle with anxiety or depression, one will continue to have symptoms across her life.
Could this be you?
