Past Programs
Family - 2005
Getting the Regional Blues - postnatal depression and the rural mum
05/11/2005
Nambucca Heads is a beautiful seaside town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. But despite the tranquil environment, figures for postnatal depression in new mothers appear, at first glance, to be astronomical. Early research suggests half of new mothers suffer postnatal depression – five times the rate of their city sisters. The possible reasons for this includes the 15 per cent unemployment rate, poverty, limited medical help and a claustrophobic and watchful social environment. Liz Keen investigates the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of postnatal depression in Nambucca.
Missing the Point! - The mysteries of Autism
17/09/2005
One of the common first indicators of autism is the inability of the 18-month-old child to point with their index finger. Autism shapes behaviour and severely limits a person's ability to form relationships and communicate. But the complex causes of this disorder are obscure. We look at some of the research seeking answers, and a mother with a 3-year-old autistic son portrays life with this mystery.
The Wings of a Butterfly - Children, Teenagers and Anxiety.
10/09/2005
The World Health Organisation estimates that by the year 2020 depression will be the world's second most prevalent illness. The whirlwind of changes experienced by teenagers make them particularly vulnerable to this. Right around Australia high schools are looking at how to teach resilience to adolescents, and thus the skills that enable kids to spring back from adversity. And what does new neurobiological research tell us about the impact of trauma on the developing brain?
