Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports parents and families during pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline for individuals, their families, support people and health care providers.

PANDA's phone and online services provide access to counselling and information to support mental health and wellbeing, informed by evidence-informed mental healthcare practice, and the expertise of people with a lived experience.

Vision and mission

PANDA’s vision is a world where perinatal mental health is understood and valued. They want people to know how and where they can access support and empower themselves to be the best they can be in the perinatal period and beyond.

How PANDA can help

PANDAs free services assist new and expecting parents. They support all families, especially those facing barriers accessing mainstream services. Their services are highly inclusive of languages, location, discrimination and people managing complex and ongoing mental health conditions.

Services include:

  • PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline (Mon-Sat)
  • intensive care and counselling program (VIC & QLD)
  • online education hub
  • secondary consulation service
  • website resources and mental health checklist
  • suite of translated information and resources.

Information lines / help lines

  • Call 1300 726 306 Monday – Friday 9am - 7:30pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm AEST

Programs and apps and tools

Recommended links

Last reviewed: December 2023

Information from this partner

Found 20 results

Perinatal suicide: Signs, safety and support options | PANDA

Thoughts of suicide are common during pregnancy and early parenthood. You don’t need to deal with them alone though – specialist help is available.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Growing families | PANDA

Support that's always there for you and your family

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Getting help: support for expecting and new dads | PANDA

If you are a expecting or new dad and you are struggling with how you feel, or not feeling how you expected to feel, it’s important to speak to someone.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Coping with uncertainty | PANDA

This is a guide to help you find your way, and look after yourself and your baby in any situation.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Preparing for baby’s arrival: Tips for new dads | PANDA

The lead up to the arrival of a new baby can be an exciting time for expecting dads. But it can also bring challenges as you adjust to the new future.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Perinatal anxiety and depression: Signs and symptoms | PANDA

Perinatal anxiety and depression can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or gradually in the weeks and months after.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

What is family? | PANDA

Having a child is a time of huge change. For many people this includes considering the type of family they hope to create.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Contributing factors: postnatal anxiety and depression | PANDA

Postnatal anxiety and depression can affect anyone, including women and their non-birthing partners.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

What happens when I call the PANDA Helpline? | PANDA

When you call PANDA, we provide a safe, caring and confidential space for you to talk, as an expecting or new parent, or support person.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Childbirth trauma and recovery | PANDA

While many pregnant women and their partners know birthing their baby will be hard work, very few expect labour and childbirth could be complicated.

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.