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PND/PTSD & Support

Navigating a high-risk pregnancy, sitting beside your baby in the NICU, or bringing a premature or sick baby home is one of the most intense experiences a person can go through. It is not surprising that so many families find themselves struggling, sometimes during the experience, and sometimes long after it is over. Perinatal anxiety, postnatal depression (PND), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among families who have been through the neonatal unit. They can affect mothers, fathers, partners and other primary caregivers. There is no single timeline and no "right" way to feel. Some families notice things are hard from day one. Others hold it together through the NICU and find that things fall apart weeks, months, or even years later. What matters is this: how you are feeling is not a reflection of how much you love your baby or how capable you are as a parent. And help is available.

If any of the following feel familiar, please reach out to one of the services listed below.

You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help.

  • Overwhelmed

  • Unable to cope

  • Feelings of sadness or inadequacy

  • Crying uncontrollably or for no good reason

  • Having panic attacks

  • Flashbacks

  • Trouble bonding with your baby

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Loss of appetite

  • Problems with memory or concentration

  • Irritability or anger

  • Unable to find pleasure in things

  • Low energy, not wanting to leave the house or have visitors

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself, your baby or others

Counselling, peer support, and in some cases medication can all make a significant difference. The most important step is reaching out, and you only need to take it once.

If your baby was born at KEMH: The Psychological Medicine Consultation and Liaison Service (tel: 6458 1521) is available to

you at no charge for up to one year after your baby was born.

If your baby was born at another hospital: Your GP is a great first port of call and can refer you to a psychologist in your area who

specialises in perinatal mental health. You can also contact:

- The Raphael Centre, St John of God, specialist perinatal mental health support

- Your Child Health Nurse, available through community health centres across WA

- PANDA, Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, tel 1300 726 306. A national helpline specifically for perinatal mental health, available Monday to Saturday.

- Gidget Foundation, free telehealth sessions with a perinatal mental health professional

If you are in a regional, rural or remote area of WA: You are not without support. The following services offer telephone and online video

appointments:

- Country Families @ Ngala, support for families in regional WA

- PANDA: tel 1300 726 306 (available across Australia)

- RuralLink: tel 1800 552 002 (WA regional mental health line, 24/7)

If you are in crisis right now, please contact one of these services.

All lines below are free to call and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless noted.

In an emergency, always call 000 first.

Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) | 1300 555 788 | Perth metro. Trained mental health clinicians.

Mental Health Emergency Response Line (Peel) | 1800 676 822 | Peel region residents.

RuralLink | 1800 552 002 | Regional, rural and remote WA.

Crisis Care (WA) | (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 (country) | Urgent counselling and support.

Samaritans WA | (08) 9381 5555 or 1800 198 313 (country) | Confidential emotional support.

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | National. Call or online chat.

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | National. Call, chat, or email.

PANDA | 1300 726 306 | Perinatal mental health. Mon to Sat.

Youthline / Samaritans Youth | (08) 9388 2500 | For young people.

If you would like to connect with another WA family who has been through a similar experience, our Peer to Peer Support program may be a gentle first step.