Help is needed to address rising rates of perinatal depression and anxiety, writes the head of a national support group Arabella Gibson.
Pregnancy and parenthood represent a unique period in an individual’s life, but alongside the joy and excitement, new and complex emotions can also arise.
At Gidget Foundation Australia, we have witnessed the growing need for support amid rising rates of perinatal depression and anxiety. More than 3500 clients accessed our specialist perinatal face-to-face or telehealth counselling during the 2024 financial year – up from 1,625 in FY 2021. This marks an increase of 214% over the past three years alone.
Loneliness is also a significant risk factor for women developing perinatal depression, the stigma surrounding the condition leading to further isolation.
Our recent survey revealed that two-thirds (67%) of Australian parents with children under five reported that they lack a strong community support network to help them navigate the challenges of parenthood.
Parents from disadvantaged or marginalised communities faced additional burdens, with existing inequalities and social isolation intensifying their experiences of perinatal depression and loneliness.
As CEO, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by mothers and fathers who struggle to seek support or simply don’t know what support is available.
It is crucial parents receive consistent, trusted support and validation from healthcare professionals, peer support from those with lived experience of perinatal depression, and non-judgmental emotional and practical support from their families.
Raising awareness of PNDA is critical, but fortunately there are numerous specialist organisations in Australia who are working to address it.
Initiatives like Perinatal Mental Health Week play a vital role in offering information, referral pathways, and reducing the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health.
To further support parents in need, over 55 organisations have come together to present the Perinatal Mental Health Support Finder this year – a valuable resource designed to connect parents with essential support and services during this challenging period.
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Each year in Australia around 100,000 parents will experience perinatal depression and anxiety.
It has been highlighted that the perinatal support services we provide contribute an estimated $108.9 million in benefits to clients and the broader community annually, offsetting 12% of the estimated $877 million cost of PNDA, which stems from presenteeism, absenteeism, and increased workforce exit.
Our foundation has delivered over 90,000 appointments to potential, expectant and new parents since our inception.
As the leading national provider of perinatal mental health services, we offer up to 10 bulk-billed face-to-face or telehealth psychological treatment sessions per calendar year with an experienced perinatal clinician, alongside our group programs and our online virtual peer led support groups.
If you, or a parent you know, is struggling, support is available. For more information and to find the right resources, visit www.gidgetfoundation.org.au or call 1300 851 758. We also encourage more organisations and healthcare professionals to collaborate in raising awareness and providing timely support to parents in need at all times of the year.
As the national leading provider of perinatal mental health services, we offer year-long, free, specialist perinatal mental health psychological services, via face-to-face and telehealth; and invest in retention, engagement, and development of more than 175 clinicians through a training, mentoring and supervision workforce development program.
ED: Arabella Gibson is CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit that supports the emotional wellbeing of potential, expectant and new parents. Gidget was the nickname of a young mother who took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression. Her family and friends created the foundation to try to prevent it happening again.
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