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7/24/20256 min read

New Approaches to Post-Partum Depression: The Latest Treatments Giving Mothers Hope
By Brightway Medical Centre
July 2025

Post-partum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 7 women in Australia, and it’s more than just “baby blues” - it’s a real, clinical condition that can impact both mother and baby if left untreated (Beyond Blue, 2024). But there is hope: 2025 has brought new treatment options and a deeper understanding of maternal mental health. With early support and a personalised approach, recovery is not only possible - it’s expected.

Here’s what’s new and effective in the treatment of post-partum depression today.

1. Fast-Acting Medication: Brexanolone and Zuranolone

One of the most significant advances is brexanolone, a fast-acting, hospital-administered medication that works on the brain’s GABA receptors - a different pathway from traditional antidepressants. In clinical trials, many women experienced noticeable relief from depressive symptoms within 72 hours (Deligiannidis et al., 2022).

A newer oral version, zuranolone, is also in development and expected to gain TGA approval soon, making rapid symptom relief more accessible.

2. Trauma-Informed Telehealth Counselling

Telehealth therapy has revolutionised access to maternal mental health care, especially for rural and remote parents. Services like PANDA and MumSpace now offer trauma-informed, perinatal-specialist support through video or phone. In 2025, many new mums are choosing flexible telepsychology options over in-person appointments due to convenience, confidentiality, and childcare limitations (Austin et al., 2023).

3. Mother–Infant Bonding Therapy

A key trend in 2025 is recognising that treating PPD isn't just about symptom relief - it's also about rebuilding the parent-infant connection. Therapies like Circle of Security and dyadic play therapy help strengthen attachment and reduce guilt or disconnection often experienced in PPD. These approaches also improve infant outcomes and long-term emotional health (Milgrom & Holt, 2023).

4. Peer Support Programs and Group Therapy

Peer-led support groups have expanded across Australia, both in person and online. Sharing experiences with other parents can reduce isolation and stigma - major contributors to prolonged symptoms. Clinics and hospitals are increasingly incorporating group-based maternal mental health programs into post-natal care plans (Highet et al., 2024).

5. Holistic and Lifestyle Interventions

Mood and physical health are deeply linked, especially after childbirth. New mothers now have access to post-partum lifestyle coaching that includes sleep regulation, nutrition advice, gentle movement, and emotional check-ins. The Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3s and fibre, has also shown promise in supporting mood during the postnatal period (Jacka et al., 2022).

6. Partner and Family Involvement

PPD doesn’t happen in isolation. In 2025, many clinics are shifting toward family-inclusive therapy, helping partners recognise signs of distress, respond supportively, and share the mental load of new parenting. Studies show outcomes improve when partners are engaged in the recovery journey (Fisher et al., 2022).

Final Thoughts

Post-partum depression can feel overwhelming, but modern care options are compassionate, science-backed, and increasingly accessible. Whether you’re a new mum, a partner, or a loved one trying to help - know that support is available, and recovery is absolutely possible.

At Brightway Medical Centre, our maternal health team offers gentle, personalised support for parents navigating the emotional challenges of early parenthood. You don’t have to do this alone - and you don’t have to wait to feel better.

References

Austin, M. P., Highet, N., & the Expert Working Group. (2023). Mental health care in the perinatal period: Australian clinical practice guideline. COPE. https://www.cope.org.au

Beyond Blue. (2024). Perinatal mental health statistics. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Deligiannidis, K. M., Meltzer-Brody, S., Gunduz-Bruce, H., et al. (2022). Brexanolone injection in post-partum depression: Pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials. Lancet Psychiatry, 9(1), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00412-9

Fisher, J. R., Tran, T., Rowe, H., et al. (2022). Partner-inclusive interventions for preventing postnatal common mental disorders. BMC Psychiatry, 22, 157. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03781-z

Highet, N., Stevenson, A. L., Purtell, C., & Coo, S. (2024). Group therapy for mothers with PPD: An Australian model of care. Australian Journal of Mental Health, 33(2), 107–113.

Jacka, F. N., et al. (2022). Nutritional psychiatry: Diet as a modifiable risk factor for perinatal depression. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(4), 211–219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01312-8

Milgrom, J., & Holt, C. (2023). Infant–mother attachment and maternal mental health: The emerging role of dyadic therapies. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 37(1), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPN.0000000000000651

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New Frontiers in Obesity Treatment: A 2025 Guide to What’s Working
By Brightway Medical Centre
July 2025

Obesity is one of Australia’s most pressing public health challenges, affecting over two-thirds of adults and nearly one in four children (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023). But there’s good news: the landscape of obesity treatment is changing rapidly. In 2025, innovative therapies are offering real hope - not just for weight loss, but for long-term health, confidence, and quality of life.

Here’s what’s new, promising, and evidence-backed in the treatment of obesity today.

1. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g. Semaglutide)

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) have now been approved in Australia specifically for weight management. These drugs work by mimicking a gut hormone that reduces hunger and slows digestion. In clinical trials, patients lost 10–15% of body weight on average over 12–18 months (Wilding et al., 2021). They’re a game-changer for those struggling with appetite regulation.

2. Metabolic Surgery: Safer and More Accessible

Gastric sleeve and bypass procedures remain the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, but the process has become safer, faster, and more personalised. Modern bariatric surgery is often performed laparoscopically, with shorter hospital stays and tailored nutritional follow-up. Surgery is now considered for more people - not just those with a BMI over 40, but also individuals with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea (Mechanick et al., 2022).

3. Obesity as a Chronic Condition: The Mindset Shift

Perhaps the biggest change is how we view obesity - not as a failure of willpower, but as a complex, chronic condition influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, and psychology. New guidelines encourage long-term, multidisciplinary care, where GPs, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists work as a team to provide ongoing support (Obesity Collective, 2024).

4. Psychological Therapies: Tackling the “Why”

Behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindful eating practices are being increasingly integrated into obesity care. These approaches go beyond “eat less, move more” and explore emotional triggers, body image, and long-term habits. According to a recent meta-analysis, adding psychological support significantly improves both weight outcomes and mental health (Forman et al., 2022).

5. Wearables & AI Coaching

Smartwatches, glucose monitors, and AI-driven nutrition apps now do more than track steps - they deliver real-time behaviour coaching, alert users to patterns, and can even adjust diet or exercise plans based on feedback. Digital tools like Noom®, Habitual®, and Australian-developed apps like CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online are becoming key tools in long-term success (Torous et al., 2023).

6. Food as Medicine

New research confirms what many clinicians have long suspected: food quality matters. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, olive oil, legumes, and fish, is being prescribed for its anti-inflammatory and weight-regulating benefits (Jacka et al., 2022). Personalised nutrition, often based on microbiome or genetic testing, is also gaining traction in private practice.

Final Thoughts

The treatment of obesity in 2025 is no longer just about “diet and exercise.” It’s about personalised medicine, psychological support, advanced pharmacology, and sustained behavioural change. At Brightway Medical Centre, we take a whole-person approach to weight management, helping patients move toward better health - one step at a time.

If you or someone you care about is ready to explore new options for managing weight and improving health, we’re here to help.

References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Overweight and obesity snapshot. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/behaviours-risk-factors/overweight-obesity/overview

Forman, E. M., Butryn, M. L., Manasse, S. M., Crosby, R. D., & Wyckoff, E. P. (2022). Acceptance-based behavioural treatment for obesity: A review and future directions. Obesity Reviews, 23(1), e13411. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13411

Jacka, F. N., O'Neil, A., Itsiopoulos, C., Opie, R. S., Cotton, S., Mohebbi, M., & Berk, M. (2022). A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with obesity and low mood (HELFIMED). Nutrients, 14(1), 221. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010221

Mechanick, J. I., Apovian, C. M., Brethauer, S., Garvey, W. T., Joffe, A. M., & Aronne, L. J. (2022). Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative management of metabolic and bariatric surgery patients—2022 update. Obesity (Silver Spring), 30(7), 1187–1215. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23452

Obesity Collective. (2024). National Framework for Obesity Care. https://www.obesitycollective.org.au/resources

Torous, J., Firth, J., Huckvale, K., et al. (2023). The emerging role of digital mental and metabolic health technologies. The Lancet Digital Health, 5(2), e90–e98. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(23)00014-1

Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Davies, M., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

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