PANDA can help. Call about yourself or someone you know.
New parent or expecting a baby? Worried about the way you are feeling?
About PANDA
About PANDA
PANDA operates Australia’s only specialist National Helpline for people affected by perinatal anxiety, depression and postnatal psychosis and for those experiencing challenges in becoming a parent.
We also raise awareness about this serious and common illness so those affected can understand what’s happening to them and can seek help.
“When I was in the middle of it I felt like I’d never get better. But I did.”
INTERPRETERS AVAILABLE
INTERPRETERS AVAILABLE
PANDA has access to interpreters to support those who do not speak English or have a hearing or speech impairment.
“Nobody told me it could happen even before I had the baby!”
WHEN TO GET HELP
Being pregnant or becoming a new parent can be both exciting and challenging. Having some trouble adjusting to the changes is natural. However, when general ups and downs develop into something more serious, and last for two weeks or more, it’s time to get help.
PERINATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IS COMMON
As many as one in in five expecting or new mums and one in ten expecting or new dads will experience perinatal anxiety or depression. It can occur during pregnancy (antenatal) or in the first year after birth (postnatal). The term ‘perinatal’ refers to both pregnancy and the first year after birth.
“I’m worried about my partner but she won’t talk to me.”
POSTNATAL PSYCHOSIS
Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious illness that affects one to two new mums in every 1000 and can put both mother and baby at risk. It almost always requires hospital admission. The symptoms often arrive suddenly and can include extreme mood swings, significant behaviour changes and loss of touch with reality.
“I’m the worst mum in the world.”
HOW PANDA CAN HELP
If you are an expecting or new parent worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing – or about someone you know – it’s important to seek support. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can start feeling better.
PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline offers free counselling and support for all new and expecting parents.
Our highly trained and caring telephone counsellors will listen to your concerns and help you take the first steps to recovery.
“If I tell anyone how I’m feeling they’ll think I’m a bad parent.”
IT’S BEST TO TALK ABOUT IT
Perinatal anxiety and depression is a serious health condition. It can affect any new or expecting parent. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is fine to talk about it. In fact, it is better that you do!
Telling others about your struggles, or admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness. It shows that you want the best for yourself and your family.
“I thought I’d love my baby instantly, but I can hardly bear to look at her.”
Signs & symptoms
Signs of Perinatal anxiety and depression
SIGNS MAY INCLUDE:
- Feeling sad, low, or crying for no obvious reason
- Persistent, generalised worry, often focused on fears for the health or wellbeing of your baby
- Being nervous, ‘on edge’, or panicky
- Being easily annoyed or irritated
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Difficulties sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping
- Abrupt mood swings
- Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy
- Physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, lack of appetite
- Having little or no interest in the things that normally bring you joy
- Fear of being alone or with others
- Finding it difficult to focus, concentrate or remember
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Panic attacks (racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking or feeling physically detached from your surroundings)
- Developing obsessive or compulsive behaviours
- Thoughts of death, suicide or harming your baby.
There are also many other symptoms not listed here. If you or someone close to you experiences any symptoms or feelings that worry you for two weeks or more, please seek support.
“Do all new parents feel this terrible?”
Helpline
Call our free National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline
Phone 1300 726 306
Mon – Fri 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
PANDA’s National Helpline is available in many languages, including yours.
When you call the PANDA helpline, press option “1” which lets us know that you need an interpreter.
You will be placed on hold until one of our Counsellors become available OR you may hear a recorded message asking you to leave a message.
What happens when your call is answered:
Your call will be answered by an English-speaking counsellor. We will need to know for preferred language – you do not need to speak English except to tell the counsellor your preferred language.
PANDA will arrange an interpreter and when one is available, we will begin the process of supporting you.
If an interpreter is not available, we will call you back.
How to leave a message:
Leave a message as this will hold your place in the queue. You do not need to keep calling back, one of our counsellors will call you.
Please leave your name, phone number, state and language. We will call you back with a interpreter.
If you need urgent help call triple zero (000) or local hospital emergency department.
If you need support outside of PANDA’s Helpline hours, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Grounding exercise
This grounding exercise is designed to help you focus on your breathing.