Perinatal depression and anxiety costs Australia $877 million a year

A new report from PwC Australia on perinatal depression and anxiety shows that the conditions cost Australia $877 million in the first year they present in affected parents. There are also additional impacts over the following years and lifetime, with the overall costs of perinatal mental illness reaching $7.3 billion.

The report, The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia, shows that in the first year of perinatal mental illness, $643 million in productivity losses occurs, while $227 million is incurred in health costs. A further $7 million is lost due to social and wellbeing impacts.

Dr Yvonne Luxford, CEO of Perinatal Wellbeing Centre welcomed the findings, saying, “It’s exciting to have a current study on perinatal mental health that is specific to the Australian situation and so strongly evidence based.”

“These are staggering figures which really highlight the true impact of perinatal depression and anxiety on families and communities during the early parenthood stage – when people are suffering from a mental health condition it has a strong ripple effect,” Dr Luxford said.

“Extra demands are placed on carers, workplaces, and healthcare providers which results in these high economic and health costs; we also saw this effect in the productivity commission’s report last week showing mental health concerns cost up to $180 billion a year in Australia.”

“By putting a clear dollar figure on the true effects of perinatal depression and anxiety we can ensure more pathways to prevention and early intervention, better access to care for families who need it, and identify new areas for sector collaboration,” Dr Luxford said.

She continued, “The high costs incurred by government, communities and families as a result of perinatal mental health conditions also point to the significant burdens placed on the perinatal mental health services sector.”

“Many small organisations like ours are working extremely hard to provide these services and prevent escalation to more expensive tertiary services, despite always needing more funding and relying heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers,” Dr Luxford said.

Perinatal depression and anxiety affects 1 in 5 Australia mothers, and 1 in 10 fathers or partners. Different risk factors exist among fathers and partners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities and LGBTIQ+ communities.

For further comment:

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre: 02 6287 3961

Download the media release here.