Making Sense of the Unseen
Although women are usually in frequent contact with health professionals during pregnancy and the following year, suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in Australia and other high-income countries. We know very little about women’s experiences of suicidality at this time in their lives. We urgently need to know more.
Content notice: perinatal suicidality
What this study adds
Making Sense of the Unseen is a partnership between the Stronger Futures CRE and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, PANDA Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, and James Cook University.
139 women shared their experiences of perinatal suicidality with us. Without their generosity, this study would not have been possible.
We have identified that the evolution of perinatal suicidality is driven by experiences of shame and feelings of disconnection and defectiveness. When women feel that they are defective, unworthy of love and belonging, and do not possess what it takes to be a good mother, they can conclude that their family is better off without them.
Importantly, pathways beyond shame and perinatal suicidality can be facilitated by compassionate and rehumanising relationships and care experiences that enable women to feel worthy, deserving of love and belonging, and that their families are better off with them.
What is already known?
Several risk factors for maternal suicide have been identified, including experiences of intimate partner violence and a history of mental health disorder. Several studies undertaken in the perinatal period have examined the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and associated social and obstetric risk factors, however, there is very limited research offering insights into women’s experiences of suicidality at this time in their lives.
Hopefully, other women will get the same support or help to find it - because I love being a mum. It just brings me so much joy now.
Study Participant
What’s next?
We are working to share the findings of our study with health professionals, policymakers, and governments to help to improve the support available for women and families impacted by perinatal suicidality.
