Support group finds low self-esteem is common

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 8

Support group finds low self-esteem is common

"We are told by our clients that we are giving the care and support that the health services simply do not have the time or resources to provide,” says Wendy Shortley, the chairperson of the Post-Natal Depression Support Group. The group was formed 20 months ago in Christchurch to offer a telephone counselling service and support for women suffering from post-natal depression, and for their partners. The counsellors — ail women who have recovered from P.N.D. — are trained by a Department of Education psychologist As well as providing a listening ear and support in times of emotional crisis they can pass on information about doctors aware of and willing to treat post-natal depression, and community services, such as creches, playgroups, and exercise classes, which may not be well advertised. Where appropriate, they can refer people for information or help to statutory services such as the Department of Social Welfare — which provides subsidies for childcare under certain circumstances — and other organisations such as Plunket, Barnardo’s, and Parents’ Centres. An evening support group for women and their partners offers the opportunity to share experiences. “The mutual support the sufferers provide for others is very beneficial,” says Wendy Shortley. “Low self-esteem is common, and we can use these meetings to reinforce the value of the task of mothering, and recognise that it is not always a pleasurable job.” Members of the group can take on an advocacy role if a woman is afraid to tell her doctor what is wrong, or if he or she has not realised the extent of her distress. "We offer to go to the doctor with her,” Wendy Shortley explains. “Usually we are welcomed by both doctor and patient as a support, and we actually contribute little, except to give the woman the confidence to talk frankly with her doctor.” They also offer* to talk to family members, including husbands, parents

and siblings, to explain about post-natal depression and let them know what will’ help. : “Post-natal depression can. be frightening when you are suffering from it,: but it can be just as baft to live with,"? acknowledges Wendy Shortley. ‘‘Many partners are put under a great deal of pressure coping with a distraught woman, household chores, a baby, and' also continuing at work.”’*; M':' “We try to lift the burden by providing support and care, in the hope that the woman will be able to recover and resume her dally tasks.. ■ . ~ < “Many sufferers feel very trapped at home and find the constant care. of. a, baby overwhelming. Resentment towards the baby or other children in the family may erupt into child abuse. "We see our role as allowing, the woman to talk about her negative feelings, thereby defusing the situation rather than allowing, resentment to build until it explodes. “We try to take a• holistic view of those with whom we come in contact, and our feedback from those who have recovered suggests they find this very valuable.” Increasingly, the group is moving into public education, convinced that people need to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of post-natal depression, so that it can be recognised and treated. “It is becoming obvious to us that the earlier post-natal depression is recognised and help sought, the quicker the recovery.” ■■ ~ « • . « : The Post-Natal Depression Support Group is holding an open day on October II at the Central Plunket Rooms, 211 Oxford Terrace.from Mt to midday. Speakers will Include a Plunket nurse, a doctor, one of the group's trained counsellors and a husband and wife who have been through the experience of post-natal depression. A creche will bo, provided:, \to book, telephone. 325-388.' The Post-Natal Depression support Group, normally operates from the. “1H” Counselling Centre, telephone 325-388 during business hours. -