4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

Findings from the Investigation of
Cross-Border Collaborative Mental Health
Promotion Practices
Post-natal depression is a significant public health problem experienced by 10-
15% of mothers, which causes considerable distress to mothers, children, families
and society. The distress caused by post-natal depression is often misunderstood
both by the public and health care professionals alike. It is therefore frequently
hidden and suffered alone (O’Callaghan 2000). Although it is a common disorder,
only half of those affected seek medical help (Health Promotion Unit 1998). Postnatal
depression occurs at a time when contact with health care professionals is
at its peak. All interactions with mothers can be used more effectively for
primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of post-natal depression (O’Callaghan
2000).
Research suggests that effective interventions can help prevent, detect and
reduce the impact of post-natal depression. Prompt interventions may reduce the
following adverse effects:
• the unhappiness caused by post-natal depression.
• the adverse effects on the child’s behavioural, emotional and cognitive
development.
• possible adverse effects on the parent’s relationship which may lead to family
breakdown or divorce (O’Callaghan 2000).
Following research by O’Callaghan (2000) on post-natal depression, a gap in
service provision was identified at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk. To address
this gap, a post-natal support service was set up to offer information, assessment,
screening and counselling to distressed mothers. It was felt that by extending this
project to include the post-natal services in Northern Ireland, the service could be
improved by the sharing of resources, ideas, information and best practice.
Project Aims
The aims of this project are:
• To provide a cross-border multi-disciplinary service to develop greater
awareness of post-natal depression.
• For all disciplines to facilitate identification of mothers at risk of post-natal
depression.
• To offer increased support, counselling and assistance to reduce the impact of
depression on the mother, the child and the family.
Project Objectives
The objectives set out to achieve these aims are:
• Provision of a cross-border multi-disciplinary service on post-natal depression
to reduce the adverse effects on mothers and families.
• Mothers at risk will be identified and offered increased support,
counselling and medical assistance to reduce the incidence or impact
of post-natal depression.
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