What they do
PANDA provides Australia’s only National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline for individuals, their friends and family members, carers, and health care providers.
Many people in Australia don’t know about the signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression or where to turn for support. The PANDA Helpline can help you identify what kind of care you need and where to find it.
Scroll down to learn about PANDA's helpline as well as some of their other services and programs.
- PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline
PANDA’s Helpline is for people affected by changes to their mental health and emotional wellbeing during the perinatal period.
The helpline can support people throughout pregnancy up until their baby is 12 months old as well as partners, family and friends, and health professionals.
Click here to learn more about PANDA's National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline.
- PANDA Peer Support
- PANDA's Online Chatbot, Dot
- PANDA Learning Hub
- PANDA's Intensive Care and Counselling Program (VIC & QLD)
Who they're for
PANDA offers support to expecting or new parents, partners, family and friends, or health professionals.
You might like to contact PANDA if you're looking for a safe, confidential space to talk openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
PANDA can help you:
- Make sense of what you or your loved one is experiencing during the transition to parenthood.
- Identify your current coping skills and strengths as an expecting or new parent or support person
- Explore a range of perinatal mental health and wellbeing care strategies
- Understand the support and treatment options available for expecting and new parents
- Link in with community-based perinatal supports in your area.
Some of the most common concerns people call PANDA about include:
You can call to talk about things like:
- Changes to mental health, emotional wellbeing, or daily function
- Bonding and attachment during pregnancy or with your baby
- Trying to process a pregnancy or birth that didn’t go as planned
- Parenting challenges
- Changes to self-identity and/or relationships
- Caring for someone else and wanting to know how you can best support them.
How to contact
You can contact PANDA's Helpline (1300 726 306):
- Monday to Friday: 9am and 7:30pm AEST/AEDT (including public holidays)
- Saturday: 9-4pm AEST/AEDT
When you call, your call will be answered by a counsellor, or you may be asked to leave us a message during peak times.
PANDA is not a crisis service.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated, it’s important to get help immediately.
You can contact Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14, text, and chat. If life is in danger, call 000.
