A GRIFFITH psychologist has reminded local women they are not expected to be super-mums.

The message comes as Postnatal Depression Awareness Week is being recognised across Australia from November 18 to 24.

Griffith Community Mental Health psychologist Elizabeth Parker said Griffith is in line with other regions of Australia, and statistics indicate that three women in every 20 experience postnatal depression.

"At the Griffith Community Mental Health Service we are regularly treating women with postnatal depression," Ms Parker said.

"Postnatal depression is caused by an extensive range of stressors; difficult relationships with family or friends, lack of social supports, domestic violence, stressful life events such as the loss of someone close, being a new mother and chronic pain are just some examples.

"Women tend to take everything on board and just try to deal with it but they do not have to be super- mums."

Ms Parker said if untreated, postnatal depression can have dire consequences and urged woman to identify the early signs and seek help.

"If untreated it can lead to longer term mental health problems such as major clinical depression, some mothers have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby and it can have negative impacts on the relationship with their partner," Ms Parker said.

"I have worked in postnatal depression for seven years and a lot of the work I do is preventative during the early stages before it progresses to postnatal depression.

"Support is available here in Griffith and early treatmnent is just so important."

For more information, go to www.beyondblue.org.au.