Becoming a parent changes a lot in your life, and it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions. Perinatal depression and anxiety can happen to anyone. About 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience these feelings. They can start before or after your baby is born and may build up slowly over time.
If you notice any of the symptoms below, talk to your MCH nurse or family doctor.
- 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
Support contacts
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)
- Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team Casey: 1300 369 012
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- MCH Line (24/7): 13 22 29
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Eastern CATT: 1300 721 927
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76
- PANDA National Helpline (Mon-Sat): 1300 726 306
- Headspace (12–25 years old): 1800 367 968
- Gidget Foundation: 1300 851 758
- Mums Matter: 03 9079 6930
- COPE: 1300 740 398
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
Accessibility
Additional resources
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
Beyond Blue
Mental health support, tips for partners, families and friends, and more.
Centre for Migrant and Refugee Health
Provides education, mental health support, and psychiatric care with referrals, onsite treatment, and outreach programs to help people.
DadSpace
Supporting dads across Australia with mental health, emotional and practical resources.
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. 9 am – 4.30 pm, Monday – Friday.
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.
LGBTIQA+ parent wellbeing
Finding safe, inclusive care 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.
Mums matter
Perinatal psychology services available in person or via telehealth.
Rainbow Door
A free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families.
1800 Respect
Confidential information, 24/7 helpline and support service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Orange Door
Family violence support and support for the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
Relationships Australia
Provides relationship support services for individuals, families and communities to achieve positive and respectful relationships.