Mental health support for parents and carers

A mother holds her napping baby in a child's bedroom

Becoming a parent is a big change, and it's normal to feel a range of emotions.

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, support is available. Your mental health matters and you're not alone.

Understanding perinatal depression and anxiety

Perinatal depression and anxiety can affect anyone, including 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads.

Feelings can start before birth, after birth or gradually develop over weeks or months.

Seeking help is a sign of strength.

Your wellbeing is important for you and your child

If you're a new parent experiencing any of the symptoms below, please talk to your maternal and child health (MCH) nurse or family doctor (GP) for support.

Anxiety symptoms

Feeling nervous, on edge, stressed or angry
Racing thoughts
Excessive fear or worry
Intrusive or obsessive thoughts
Racing heart, breathlessness, shaking
Easily startled or feeling scared
Disrupted sleep patterns
Panic attacks
Avoiding contact with family and friends
Feeling dizzy, trembling or muscle tension.

Depression symptoms

Feeling sad, isolated, lonely, low or helpless
Frequently teary or crying
Lacking energy or motivation
Constant fatigue and disrupted sleep
Changes in libido or desire for intimacy
Risk-taking behaviour
Thoughts of harm or suicide
Little or no interest in things you usually enjoy
Feeling disconnected from your baby or loved ones
Appetite changes.

More about signs and symptoms

Crisis and support contacts

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

24/7 crisis support

Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team Monash: 1300 369 012

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36

Lifeline: 13 11 14

MCH Line (24/7): 13 22 29

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Other support phone lines

Eastern CATT: 1300 721 927

13 YARN: 13 92 76

PANDA National Helpline (Mon-Sat): 1300 726 306

Headspace (12–25 year olds): 1800 367 968

Gidget Foundation: 1300 851 758

Mums Matter: 03 9079 6930

COPE: 1300 740 398

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

SMS4dads

Accessibility

Telephone interpreter service (24/7): 131 450

Hearing/speech impaired (24/7): 133 677

Mental health support websites

Perinatal anxiety and depression (PANDA)

Supports the mental health and wellbeing of expecting, new and growing families through a range of information, services and programs

Website: Perinatal anxiety and depression (PANDA)

Beyond Blue

Mental health support, tips for partners, families and friends, and more.

Website: Beyond Blue: Caring for a baby

Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health

Provides education, mental health support, and psychiatric care with referrals, onsite treatment, and outreach programs to help people.

Website: Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health

DadSpace

Supporting dads across Australia with mental health, emotional and practical resources.

Website: Support for dads in pregnancy and early fatherhood

For When Helpline

Connects new or expecting parents/carers, concerned family members, or health professionals with the right support service to help your mental health and wellbeing. 9am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.

Website: For When Helpline

Gidget Foundation Australia

Access psychological support and moderated online communities. For people who are trying to have a family, are pregnant, have a baby up to the age of one, have experienced a pregnancy or baby- related loss, or have experienced a traumatic birth.

Website: Gidget Foundation Australia

LGBTIQA+ parent wellbeing

Finding safe, inclusive care for LGBTIQA+ parents.

Website: PANDA: Wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ Parents

Mumspace

Free online information, programs and self-assessment advice to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of pregnant women, new mums and their families.

Website: The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI): Mumspace