For parents with existing mental health challenges
Help with emotional challenges and getting the right support if you have a mental illness or other mental health challenges.
On this page
Pregnancy and parenting with mental health needs
Being a parent is life-changing and comes with different emotional challenges. If you're already living with mental health challenges, some extra support can help you and your baby have a healthy, happy start.
Common worries may include:
- whether you'll be able to parent the way that you want to
- becoming unwell again
- taking the right medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- changes in routine and sleep making your symptoms worse
- feeling judged by others
- barriers to accessing playgroups or support services
- feeling overwhelmed by the sights, sounds or smells of a baby (sensory overload)
- feeling overwhelmed by different information about being a parent.
Your support options
Living with mental health challenges can make you stronger and teach you how to cope with change. These are skills that will help you be a great parent.
Support can also include:
- seeing your GP before getting pregnant to make a plan for your mental health and maternity care
- asking health professionals to send your health records to your midwife or obstetrician
- having a plan for your wellbeing and who will support you if you become unwell
- finding people, groups, services and online communities who can support you and your family
- specialist support services for perinatal mental health.
It might be hard to ask for help if you feel like others don't understand your challenges. Talking to someone about what help you need and how to get support can be a good first step. That might be your family, friends, an Elder or someone else in your community. It could also be a helpline or online support network.
For some other ideas about getting support, you can talk to your GP, midwife or another health professional.
In a crisis or emergency
If you're having thoughts about harming yourself or your child, or you feel unable to cope, call:
- Triple Zero (000)
- 13YARN (13 92 76)
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Suicide Call Back (1300 659 467)
- 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255).
For help with domestic, family and sexual violence call 1800 737 732. You can also talk to someone online, by text message or video call on the 1800RESPECT website.
Services that can support you
Search our directory to connect with perinatal mental health supports and services.
You can also find specific help for parents with mental health challenges on the Dear Mind website.