Alcohol and Mental Health Problems

Pregnancy and new motherhood can be a less than positive experiences for some women. Women are particularly vulnerable if they have serious mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or a psychotic illness, and/or co-existing alcohol dependence (comorbidity/dual diagnosis). Family violence is also of serious concern in Australia and all women should be screened for this and appropriate referral provided. 

Like any pregnant or new mother, it is important that her aspirations, life skills and particular needs are acknowledged, along with her fears and challenges about her pregnancy and parenting. A woman’s health carers and other service providers need to build a strong therapeutic relationship with her, and ensure they have collaborative relationships between themselves that can ensure her needs are well understood and responded to holistically, so she can be helped to manage her broader life challenges at this time. 

It is important to explore issues of guilt about the effect of substance use on the infant, and to educate each woman about the likely outcomes in her case. 

Linking women with health services and birthing programs early in pregnancy, or as soon as possible, is crucial to providing them with the mental health and alcohol comorbidity expertise and any culturally appropriate support they may require. 

A partner may also experience depression or anxiety, or other mental health problems, and may feel isolated from his/her partner and her baby. Acknowledging that parenting and a change in family relationships can be stressful for both parents can be the first step in treating mental health and comorbidity problems.  

Linking mothers and partners with appropriate services and local support groups, and/or being available for counselling or an informal chat, are thus important elements that can help women in both pregnancy and parenthood.