Perinatal & Postnatal Mental Health in Australia
Perinatal mental health covers your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and in the first year after birth. Anxiety and depression during this time are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You are not alone, and help is available right now.
Baby Blues vs Postnatal Depression — What Is the Difference?
Baby Blues (common, temporary)
Up to 80% of new mothers experience baby blues — tearfulness, mood swings, irritability, and exhaustion in the first 1–2 weeks after birth. This is caused by rapid hormonal changes and usually resolves on its own. Baby blues are not postnatal depression.
Postnatal Depression (requires support)
Postnatal depression lasts longer than 2 weeks and significantly affects your ability to function. Symptoms include persistent low mood, inability to bond with your baby, withdrawal from family and friends, difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps, and feeling like a bad parent or partner. It can start any time in the first year after birth — not just immediately.
Perinatal Anxiety
Anxiety is actually more common than depression during pregnancy and after birth. Constant worrying about your baby's safety, being unable to sleep due to anxious thoughts, panic attacks, and obsessive checking are all signs that you deserve support.
Key Support Services
PANDA — Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
Australia's national perinatal mental health support service. Free, confidential counselling and referrals for parents, families, and carers during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Staffed by trained counsellors who specialise in perinatal mental health.
Beyond Blue — New Parent Support
Beyond Blue has a dedicated section for new and expecting parents, with online chat and phone support available 24/7.
Lifeline
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call Lifeline immediately.
Maternal Child Health Nurses
Your local Maternal Child Health (MCH) nurse is one of your most important free resources. They are trained to screen for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and can refer you to local services. Contact your local council or GP to connect with your MCH nurse.
How to Get Help
Is This Baby Blues or Something More?
Ask yourself: Has this been going on for more than 2 weeks? If yes, please talk to your GP, midwife, or call PANDA. You do not need to be certain something is wrong. If in doubt, reach out.
Seek help immediately if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is a medical emergency — call your GP, go to your nearest emergency department, or call 000.
Free Screening & Support Tools
These tools can help you understand what you are experiencing and prepare for conversations with your GP.
Sources & References
- PANDA — Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
- Prevalence (1 in 5 mothers): Austin, M.P. et al. (2017). Medical Journal of Australia, 206(4), 161-165.
- Prevalence (1 in 10 fathers): Paulson, J.F. & Bazemore, S.D. (2010). JAMA, 303(19), 1961-1969.
- Beyond Blue — New and Expecting Parents
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Cox, J.L. et al. (1987). British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.
- Content reviewed against RACGP Guidelines and current PANDA clinical resources. Digital Treasure Pty Ltd.