PERINATAL SERVICE HELPS LOCAL MUM OF TWO

Mother of two Kat Anthony and her Pegasus General Practitioner (GP), Dr Joan Leighton, agree asking for help when you are experiencing depression is one of the hardest things to do. Kat spent six weeks as an inpatient at Mothers and Babies mental health service after thebirthof her second son.She creditsthenursesatPrincess Margaret Hospital, her husband, and her Pegasus GP for helping get through her severe post-partum depression. “My GP was awesome in supporting my choices. She helped me access counsellors when Iwasexperiencing post-partumdepressionafter thebirthofmyfirstboy,” Kat said.

Dr Leighton supported Kat through two pregnancies and paediatric care. She has a range ofsupportand servicesthatsheoffersmums whomightbestruggling. “Some people might just need a chat and others may need support through Plunket or a phone line. Other patients may need a referral to the Pegasus Talk Therapy Service or the Mothers and Babies unit,” Dr Leighton said. Pegasus Mental Health Clinician and Team Educator Ruth Surtees says the Pegasus Primary Mental Health team treats the Mothers and Babies service at high priority “in order to reduce perinatal distress before secondary services may be needed”. WhenKat’s youngest childwas born,just15months afterher first,her postpartum depression skyrocketed. “I was so far removed from reality. I think that is the insidious thing about depression, it lies to you. I believed I could do everything, and I could not ask for help not even from my husband,” Kat said. Within three hours of seeing her GP, Kat was admitted into the Mothers and Babies mental health service (also known as C Ward) at Princess Margaret Hospital. “My GP listened to what (my husband) Ian, and I were saying, she showed us so much respect and understanding and leapt into action to help secure the safety of my family,” Kat said. Although Kat still struggles with depression today, she knows exactly where to get the help and support she needs. “Support isoutthere. Iknow first-hand askingfor helpisoneofthe hardestthings to do, but if I have one message for mums, mums-to-be or dads, it is ok to ask for help,” Kat said.