Perinatal Mental Health: Supporting Everyone on the Journey to Parenthood

The journey to parenthood is often described as one of the happiest times of life. It can also be uncertain, exhausting and painful, and these experiences can exist alongside joy and gratitude. Recognising this is an important part of reducing stigma and making it easier for parents to seek support.

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of parents from the time they begin trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy and into the early years of parenthood (Perinatal Mental Health Australia [PMHA], 2026). It includes conditions such as perinatal depression and anxiety, as well as stress, adjustment difficulties and grief. Around 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers in Australia experience perinatal depression and anxiety each year (PMHA, 2026). Non-birth parents can experience similar difficulties, however their wellbeing is often overlooked.

When does it begin?

For many people, the emotional impact of becoming a parent begins well before pregnancy. Trying to conceive can involve months or years of hope, waiting and disappointment. Infertility affects around 1 in 6 couples, and research has highlighted its significant emotional and mental health impacts for individuals and couples going through fertility treatment (Centre of Perinatal Excellence [COPE],2026). Despite this, mental health is often overlooked during treatment, with the focus remaining largely on physical care.

Who does it affect?

The journey to parenthood rarely affects just one person. Partners carry their own hopes and fears, and often feel pressure to stay strong. Non-birth parents, including those in same-sex relationships, may feel unsure of where they fit or whether their feelings are valid. Family and friends may also feel the weight of a difficult journey without knowing how best to help.

Partners often cope in different ways. One may want to talk openly while the other prefers to keep busy. These differences are normal, however they can create distance at a time when connection matters most. Open communication and recognising that both people are affected can help couples support each other.

What about grief and loss?

Grief is a common but often hidden part of the perinatal journey. It may follow a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss or an unsuccessful round of IVF. It can also come with a diagnosis of infertility, or the loss of the pregnancy, birth or family someone had imagined.

Because pregnancy loss is common, it is often minimised. Well-meaning comments such as “at least it was early” or “you can always try again” can leave people feeling dismissed and alone. A lack of understanding from others can add to the emotional impact of loss and increase the risk of mental health difficulties (COPE, 2026). Both partners can grieve, even if they grieve in different ways or at different times.

What does recovery look like?

Perinatal mental health difficulties are treatable, and seeking support early can make a real difference. Australian clinical guidelines recommend structured psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for mild to moderate perinatal depression, alongside psychoeducation (Highet et al., 2023). Support may also include peer support groups, helplines and grief counselling, depending on what each person needs.

What signs should I look out for?

Emotional ups and downs are normal during this time. Support may be needed if symptoms last longer than two weeks or start affecting daily life. Signs to look out for include:

Persistent low mood, sadness or tearfulness
Constant worry, racing thoughts or panic attacks
Feeling numb, disconnected or not like yourself
Withdrawing from friends, family or partners
Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
Irritability, anger or feeling constantly overwhelmed
Usual coping strategies no longer working

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming others, call 000 for immediate help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How can I support someone?

The best way to support someone is through patience, presence and listening. Some ways you can support are:

Ask how they are going and listen without rushing to fix things.
Check in on partners and non-birth parents, who may be hiding their own distress.
Offer practical help, such as dropping off meals or running errands.
Avoid looking for a silver lining after a loss. Simply acknowledging what happened can mean a lot.
Be mindful of difficult dates and moments, such as due dates, anniversaries and baby announcements.
Keep in touch, even if they take a while to reply.
Gently encourage them to speak with a GP, psychologist or perinatal service.

Where can I get support?

A GP can help create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. The PANDA National Helpline (1300 726 306) and the COPE Directory can also connect you with local and telehealth perinatal specialists.

Feel free to reach out to our team if you are trying to conceive, pregnant, navigating early parenthood, coping with loss, or supporting someone through these experiences.