Finding the right support
Information to help you find the mental health support you need for your growing family.
Sometimes the challenges of being a parent leave you feeling exhausted. Many new parents experience some trouble adjusting to parenthood. Yet a big dip in your mental health at this time can seriously affect your ability to function in daily life and to look after yourself and your growing family.
If you’re worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing, it’s important to seek support from a trusted health professional.
If you’re in any doubt, call the PANDA National Helpline. Our telephone counsellors will listen carefully to your concerns and explore pathways to care with you, including additional referral options if you need them.
Getting help
Support after birth
We recommend you see your doctor first, but it’s also a great idea to speak with other health professionals like your midwife or obstetrician for information and advice.
Talking to your doctor
Tips and what to expect
Talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Read our tips for finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation.
Languages other than English
Support in languages other than English
Get the support you need with resources translated into 40 languages.
Articles
Information for growing families
Real stories about growing families
Real stories about growing families
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).