Anxiety and Depression

Evidence

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8751583/

Karli Treyvaud and Stephanie J. Brown

Mothers of preterm young adults reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to mothers of term-born young adults. This study emphasized the importance of ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate the challenges of raising a child born premature into adulthood.

Education

Navigating Anxiety and Depression: Parents of Adults Born Premature or Sick

Parenting doesn't end when children reach adulthood. The journey continues with its unique set of challenges and emotional complexities. Every parent worries about their child as they move into adulthood.

As parents transition into supporting their adult children, they may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression stemming from their child's early medical history.

Higher levels of anxiety or depression may be more likely if parents were unable to access support for the trauma they experienced during the child’s birth and early years or if the child continues to face medical or developmental concerns. Understanding and addressing these mental health concerns is crucial for promoting parental well-being and fostering supportive family dynamics.

Being parents of now adults who born premature or sick may involve navigating ongoing medical, emotional, and practical considerations. Despite their child's transition into adulthood, some parents may experience concerns related to their child’s health, independence, and future well-being, particularly if the child has ongoing health or developmental concerns. These concerns can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety and depression, impacting parental mental health and family dynamics.

Managing Anxiety

Feeling worried is a normal part of life and a common response to stressful situations. But sometimes people can experience more intense worry or worries that will not go away.

If you are experiencing anxiety, it is important to understand it and to get support. Anxiety may be experienced as worry, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty managing uncertainty about the future. Parents may experience worry about their adult child's health, employment, relationships, and financial stability.

If your anxiety or worry feels like it is happening all the time, is overwhelming or is seriously impacting your life, it is important to get professional advice and support.  

Engaging in mindfulness practices, seeking professional support through therapy or counselling, and connecting with peer support networks can help parents manage anxiety symptoms and regain a sense of control.

A healthy lifestyle can also help you to manage your feelings.

• Make sure you exercise regularly. Even a 10-minute short walk can help to improve how you feel. If you have not exercised in a long time, check with your doctor about what is safe for you.
• Cut down on caffeine, which can increase anxiety and alter sleep patterns in some people. Avoid tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks and chocolate, especially after 6pm.
• Limit how much alcohol, cigarettes and drugs you use. You can call the Quitline on: 13 7848 or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on: 1800 250 015 for confidential advice.
• Make healthy eating choices.
• Get enough sleep.

You might also like to try online e-therapies, many of which are free, anonymous, are easy to access and can be done from home from anywhere in Australia. Usually, you don’t need a referral from a GP.

Find a range of online programs at the Australian Government's Head to Health website. https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/

If you are concerned about your symptoms or finding it hard to manage you should speak to your GP.  In an emergency you should call 000.

Coping with sadness and depression

Feeling sad is a normal part of life.  Times of change, such as the transition of a child into adulthood can cause feelings of sadness and can lead to depression for some people.

Depression is a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness that lasts a long time. For parents who have a child who has a disability or medical needs, this transition can be even more difficult.

If your sadness feels like it is happening all the time, is overwhelming or is seriously impacting your life, it is important to get professional advice and support. 

Symptoms of depression may include the following:

• Loss of interest and enthusiasm for things
• Constant feelings of sadness
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Fatigue
• Loss or change of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or body aches

Depression is a serious health issue and should be managed by a qualified health practitioner. Your GP can assess your mood and your overall health and will suggest treatment approaches depending on your symptoms and concerns.

There are 3 main approaches to treating depression:

• lifestyle changes — including reducing substance use, improving sleep, exercise)
• psychological treatments — including ‘talking therapies’ such as CBT, mindfulness and online therapies.
• medical treatment — including medicines and ECT

Often these treatments are used in combination.

If you are concerned about your symptoms or finding it hard to manage you should speak to your GP.  In an emergency you should call 000.

The Beyond Blue Phone Support service provides mental health support and is available 24/7.

Empowerment

Recognising the signs of anxiety and depression and seeking professional support are critical steps in managing mental health concerns. Parents can benefit from therapy, counselling, or support groups tailored to their unique needs and experiences.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers can provide evidence-based interventions and holistic support to address underlying issues and promote healing.

By prioritising self-care and self-compassion, parents can better support their adult children while nurturing their own mental health.

Setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and carving out time for rest and relaxation are essential for replenishing emotional reserves. Engaging in hobbies, exercise, and meaningful social connections can nurture resilience and enhance coping mechanisms.

Useful Links

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/depression

Health Direct, Australia

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/mental-illnesses-disorders

Need support? NurtureConnect allows you to connect with our NurtureProgram support team, or call our 24 hour NurtureLine 1300 622 243 or join our Facebook community.

Nurtureconnect