Depressed mothers urged not to suffer in silence Depressed mums tend to suffer in silence rather than seek help, according to a study of more than 1000 Australian women. Almost 80 per cent of women believe sadness, dejection or emotional stress are a normal part of pregnancy and motherhood, according to the study commissioned by the Bupa Health Foundation. However, a significant proportion of women experience full-blown depression while pregnant or after giving birth. They need treatment, but more than half never ask for it, says psychology Professor Jeannette Milgrom, founder of the Parent-Infant Research Institute in Melbourne. There's a stigma, she says. Every one expects a new mother to feel excited. But she has a black mood. This makes a mother feel bad about herself. It might intrude into her relationship with her baby. It often intrudes into her relationship with her partner. Prof Milgrom says a period of emotional ups and downs after childbirth is usual. But that's not postnatal depression. Postnatal depression is a more severe mental health issue which can peak six weeks or more after birth. She says psychologists can help women feel better through specially designed therapy programs. There is often instant relief for the woman when she realises there is nothing fundamentally wrong with her. That postnatal depression is common and she can be helped. She feels better, she can mother better, she can partner better and she feels good about herself. Part of the solution could be routine screening of pregnant women and new mothers, says Professor Marie-Paule Austin of St John of God women's mental health unit in Sydney. Assessments during and after pregnancy are critical to ensure women seek support early, says Prof Austin, who with Prof Milgrom is on a panel of experts on a Bupa maternal mental health panel. Our research shows that women who are offered an assessment are more likely to take up available services and support. One of the survey findings is that women are reluctant to share their anguish with others. "It breaks my heart," says TV personality Jessica Rowe, another member of the panel who hopes she can help other people by sharing her own experience of postnatal depression. I know first hand how overwhelming motherhood can be. It's so important for women to feel comfortable to seek treatment so they can get back to their normal routine and enjoy motherhood.