The perinatal period is a time of increased risk of mental health and wellbeing challenges for expecting and new parents. In Australia, the perinatal period is conception to 12 months after birth.
Effective perinatal mental health care can make a real difference in a time of big changes. It can benefit parent/baby attachment, relationship challenges, and managing thoughts of harm to self or baby.
There are many care options available for expecting and new parents experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.
This page is intended as a basic directory of many of the services available across Australia to support perinatal mental health. PANDA's Secondary Consultation service can also help if you need further guidance on the best support for the person or family you are caring for.
Helpful Information
Encouraging people to share their experiences
Support for individuals
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Counselling
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Medicines
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Online support
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Phone support
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Crisis support
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Inpatient support
Medicine advice lines
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National and state-based services to help you
“I hid it as I was embarrassed and felt that I should be coping better. I was not aware of the support that was out there.”
SUPPORTING THE FAMILY UNIT
Sometimes a person’s family unit consists of a parent and baby. For others there are partners, extended family and friends in their care and support network.
Research suggests that if a mother is experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, there’s a 50% increased risk that their partner will also experience perinatal mental ill-health.When everyone in the family unit is cared for – baby, parents, extended family and other support people – the entire family unit thrives.
Some families may need referral to additional support services in their area (e.g. for mental health or parenting concerns). You can search all local options in your area on the National Health Services Directory.
Practice tip: Click on ‘Find a different service’ to explore referral options for children, families, and relationship counselling.
You may also like to explore PANDA’s resource Building your Community of Care, and the article ‘Caring for the whole family’.
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Online and community-based support
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Phone support
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Crisis support
How PANDA can help health care providers
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Free Secondary Consultation Service
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Free online information and resources
Helpful Information