Perinatal Depression.

What is Perinatal Depression?

Perinatal depression can be experienced during pregnancy, as antenatal depression, or in the postpartum/early parenthood period, commonly known as postpartum depression. Statistics show that up to 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads in Australia are affected by postpartum depression.

Symptoms and severity of depression will vary between individuals depending on their physical, psychological and emotional make up and life experiences. However, some symptoms include: 

  • Frequently feeling low, sad and hopeless 

  • Experiencing “brain fog” and lack of concentration  

  • Feeling disconnected from your baby and loved ones 

  • Abrupt mood swings 

  • Thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide 

  • Persistent fatigue 

  • Little to no interest in activities that usually bring joy 

  • Withdrawing from loved ones and frequent arguments 

Symptoms

Resources (For Mums)

  • PANDA

    Perinatal Anxiety and Depression: Signs and symptoms

    PANDA

  • Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

    Perinatal depression

    COPE

  • For When

    Signs Of Postpartum Depression: How To Tell If You’re Suffering

    For When

Resources (For Dads)

  • Mens Line

    MensLine Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.

    1300 78 99 78

    Mens Line

  • For When

    Postpartum Depression in Dads: Symptoms, Signs & Treatment Options

    1300 24 23 22

    For When

Services

  • Gidget Foundation

    A not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.

    1300 851 758

    Gidget Foundation

  • PANDA

    PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.

    1300 726 306

    Monday-Saturday

    PANDA

  • For When

    Connects parents that are struggling to navigate the complex waters of pregnancy and new parenthood to the critical mental health services they might need most.

    1300 24 23 22 between 9.00am-4.30pm – Monday to Friday.

    For When

  • Lifeline

    National charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

    24/7 support line: 13 11 14

    Lifeline