postnatal depression
signs, treatment & support in australia
if you or someone you know needs help now
PANDA helpline 1300 726 306
mon–fri 9am–7:30pm AEST · for all new parents and their families
this is general health information, not medical advice. if you are struggling, please reach out to your GP or one of the support services listed below. you are not alone and this is not your fault.
baby blues vs postnatal depression
it’s completely normal to feel emotional after having a baby. but there’s a difference between the “baby blues” and postnatal depression. here’s how to tell them apart.
baby blues
- •affects up to 80% of new parents
- •starts 2–3 days after birth
- •tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety
- •resolves within 2 weeks
- •a normal hormonal adjustment
postnatal depression
- •affects 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers
- •can start anytime in the first year
- •persistent sadness, anxiety, numbness, hopelessness
- •doesn’t resolve on its own
- •needs support and often treatment
signs of postnatal depression
postnatal depression can look different for everyone. you don’t need to have all of these signs — even a few that persist for more than two weeks are worth talking to your GP about.
- •persistent sadness or low mood
- •loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
- •difficulty bonding with your baby — this is common and it is not your fault
- •excessive worry or anxiety
- •changes in appetite or sleep (beyond normal newborn disruption)
- •feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
- •intrusive thoughts
- •withdrawing from your partner, family, or friends
- •irritability or anger
- •feeling like a bad parent
postnatal anxiety
postnatal anxiety is often overlooked but just as real. it can occur alongside depression or on its own. some worry is normal as a new parent — but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it’s worth seeking support.
signs of postnatal anxiety
- •constant worry that something bad will happen
- •racing thoughts
- •physical symptoms — heart racing, tight chest, nausea
- •checking on baby excessively
- •avoiding situations or outings
- •difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
dads and partners get it too
around 1 in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression. it often shows up differently — as irritability, anger, withdrawal, overworking, or risk-taking behaviour rather than sadness.
dads and partners are less likely to seek help, partly because postnatal depression is still seen as something that only affects mothers. it’s not. the transition to parenthood is huge for everyone involved.
if you’re a partner, check in with yourself too. the PANDA helpline (1300 726 306) supports all new parents — not just mums.
treatment and support
postnatal depression is treatable. most people recover well with the right support, and getting help early makes a real difference.
talk to your GP
your GP can screen you using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) — a simple questionnaire that helps identify depression and anxiety. this is a routine part of postnatal care and nothing to feel awkward about.
counselling and psychology
through a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year. ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist experienced in perinatal mental health.
medication
if your GP recommends medication, know that there are safe options available — including options that are compatible with breastfeeding. medication can work alongside counselling and is nothing to feel ashamed about.
peer support
connecting with other parents who understand what you’re going through can make a world of difference. organisations like PANDA and Gidget Foundation offer peer support programs.
practical support
let people help. accepting a meal, someone holding the baby so you can shower, or a friend doing a load of washing isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign you’re a human being doing something incredibly hard.
where to get help in australia
Gidget Foundation
Tresillian (parenting support)
how to support someone with PND
try not to say
- דjust think positive”
- דother mums manage fine”
- דyou should be grateful”
- דit’s just hormones”
what actually helps
- ✓listen without judgment
- ✓offer practical help — cook a meal, hold the baby
- ✓gently encourage them to talk to their GP
- ✓be patient — recovery takes time
- ✓check in regularly, not just once
related guides
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to your GP, call PANDA on 1300 726 306, or in an emergency call 000. you deserve support and you are not alone.