New parenthood brings big changes
Even when change is positive, it can still be challenging. Having mixed and complex emotions as a new parent is normal, but these can be confronting emotions to manage.
If your feelings are worrying you or affecting your ability to function in daily life, you may be experiencing symptoms of antenatal anxiety or depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of, postnatal mental health concerns are common.
Here you'll find information that can help you understand the things you might be thinking and feeling as a new parent.
Coping with strong emotions
Prioritise your emotional wellbeing
Parenthood is a time of transformation and change. Sometimes the intensity of mixed emotions can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
It may feel tempting to push strong unwanted feelings aside or deny them altogether. Yet these emotions don’t disappear - often they simmer under the surface and grow stronger.
When we sit with strong and uncomfortable emotions, they gradually begin to feel less intense and scary. Learning to sit with strong emotions instead of pushing them away or numbing them can be hard work, and it takes practice.
Find out more and learn strategies to help you cope.
“HOW CAN I FEEL A SENSE OF LOSS WHEN I WANTED MY BABY SO MUCH? IS IT OKAY TO SAY I FEEL BORED AND LONELY SOME DAYS? WHAT KIND OF PARENT FEELS IRRITATED AND ANGRY WITH A BABY?”
Signs and symptoms
Understanding what you're feeling
Postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms can be different for each new parent. Many new parents experience a mixed mood that includes both depressed and anxious symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below (or any others) that are affecting your daily function and mental and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to talk to someone.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with family and friends about what’s happening, you can call PANDA. We’ll listen, give you more information and can help you link in with postnatal mental health supports in your area.
Postnatal anxiety
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Changes to mood
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Changes to behaviour
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Changes to relationships
Postnatal depression
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Changes to mood
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Changes to behaviour
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Changes to relationships
Calling the PANDA Helpline
What happens when I call the PANDA Helpline?
PANDA is a national telephone counselling service delivered by professional counsellors and dedicated peer support volunteers with a lived experienceof perinatal mental health issues.
When you call PANDA, we’ll provide a safe, caring and confidential space for you to talk through any concerns you may have as an expecting or new parent, or support person.
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help.