Mental Wellbeing
Pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal months can be stressful times physically, emotionally and mentally. Women and men are vulnerable to anxiety and depression during this life-changing time. If you have concerns about your mental wellbeing, speak to your doctor or midwife about accessing local support services. You may be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) which will give you access to Medicare rebates on visits with a private psychologist.
Below are some resources you may find helpful.
Community perinatal mental health services
Based at Community Mental Health Service is located at Bathurst Base Hospital.
Nsw Mental health access line
A statewide 24 hour phone service that provides immediate support and will link you in with local services.
Community health Centre
The Community Health Centre is located at Bathurst Base Hospital. The Centre provides a range of free services to the Bathurst Community including counselling services.
ABTA
ABTA was established to support women and their families who are suffering postnatally from physical and /or psychological trauma resulting from the birth process. The service also provides education and support for the range of health professionals who work with pre and postnatal women.
GIDGET FOUNDATION
Gidget Foundation Australia exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate, and specialist care.
The Gidget Foundation website is a wealth of resources and links to real life and online support for new and expectant parents struggling with low mood, anxiety and other mental health concerns. Your GP can refer to Gidget for psychological services/ counselling under a Mental Health Care Plan. Speak to your GP today!
mumspace
MumSpace is Australia’s one-stop website supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of pregnant women, new mums and their families.
MumSpace is designed to connect you quickly with the level of support you need, from advice and support in the transition to parenthood, to effective online treatment programs for perinatal depression and anxiety. The resources on MumSpace will help you ‘step-up’ to whichever level of support suits you best. MumSpace is also a resource for your healthcare professional.
PANDA
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Helpline for individuals and their families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects up to one in five expecting or new mums and one in ten expecting or new dads.
Relationships Australia NSW
Access some of the wonderful programs offered through Relationships Australia NSW to help the mental wellbeing of your whole family.
DADVice
Dads are susceptible to anxiety and depression too. Dadvice is especially for them.
1800respect
Domestic and family violence occurs when someone who has a close personal relationship with you makes you feel afraid, powerless or unsafe. It can be physical, but can also be emotional and psychological. If you are experiencing abuse or violence it is not your fault. Click on the link for more information.
