Connect through conversation during Perinatal Mental Health Week

Perinatal anxiety and depression are mental health issues that can affect new or expecting parents.

One in five new mums and one in 10 new dads experience perinatal anxiety and depression each year in Australia.

To help health professionals and the wider community better understand mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum periods, Perinatal Mental Health Week will be recognised from 12 to 18 November this year.

The 2023 theme from PANDA is ‘Connection through conversation.’ It encourages people to share stories of their own mental health experience before and during pregnancy, if they are comfortable, and have honest and compassionate conversations with others.

Everyone needs help at some point in their life, and everyone deserves compassion and support. Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect. Find ways to start a conversation with others.  

Whether you’re planning, starting or raising a family, if you or your family need support, visit PANDA or call the PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) on 1300 726 306 📞 

For mental health, alcohol, and other drug support and information, call Here For You on 1800here4u (1800 437 348) from 7am to 10pm any day of the week.

For other helplines, visit www.mhc.wa.gov.au/helplines.

To find local mental health services, visit www.myservices.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.