We’ve just concluded Perinatal Mental Health Week—a timely reminder of the unique challenges that new and expecting parents often face. In Australia, about 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience postnatal depression within the first year after having a baby1. In our practice, it’s common to encounter parents navigating perinatal anxiety and depression and for many, prioritising self-care can be challenging while juggling the many new demands of parenting.
For health practitioners, having a toolkit of targeted, evidence-based resources can be invaluable. Below, you’ll find digital mental health resources tailored specifically to this period, making it easier for practitioners to provide effective, timely support that aligns with the busy schedules of new families.
Psychological Treatment
Overall, digital interventions have been found to be effective in treating perinatal anxiety and depression2. Although general treatments for anxiety and depression can be helpful, targeted programs that address the specific challenges of new and expecting parents are often more beneficial.
Mum2BMoodBooster and MumMoodBooster
Mum2BMoodBooster and MumMoodBooster are free, evidence-based, self-guided online CBT programs designed to support women recovering from depression and anxiety. Mum2BMoodBooster targets prenatal depression and anxiety, while MumMoodBooster supports postnatal recovery. Both programs include an EPDS screening tool, six online modules, an online library, and free automated SMS support. Health professionals can access a clinician portal in each program to refer patients and monitor their progress.
Pregnancy Anxiety and Depression Program and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression Program
THIS WAY UP offers self-guided or own-clinician-supported screening and CBT or MBCT psychological treatment and wellbeing programs for teens and adults with a range of mental health concerns. The Pregnancy and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression Programs each offer three CBT-based lessons for managing worry and low mood during and after pregnancy. Through illustrated stories participants learn practical skills to break the cycle of anxiety and depression.
Symptom Management and Wellbeing Tools
Digital tools can play a helpful role alongside traditional treatment, offering practical support through tips and strategies to lift mood and build resilience.
A free emotional wellbeing app for new and expectant mothers, providing effective CBT and mindfulness strategies to lift mood, build confidence, strengthen relationships and manage emotional challenges.
A free, self-guided, online program to enhance the wellbeing of new parents and support them in their transition to parenthood. The program provides information for parents on caring for a new baby, and how to support each other and take care of themselves while parenting. Registration required.
SMS for Dads and SMS for Deadly Dads are free text message support services offering information and tips for dads and dads-to-be. SMS for Dads is tailored for all fathers, while SMS for Deadly Dads is designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads. Both services help men understand and connect with their baby and partner, increasing awareness of their impact on their baby’s brain development. Each provides a wellbeing check-in, links to professional support if needed, and sends up to three SMSs per week from when the baby is 12 weeks old until their first birthday.
Screening and Referral
Digital referral tools can be a great option to connect your client to specialised perinatal anxiety and depression services.
A free mental health care referral phone line for new and expecting parents and guardians staffed by clinically trained practitioners. The helpline is available between 9am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday to help parents and caregivers access the right mental health services for perinatal depression, anxiety or birth trauma.
Counselling
Counselling can offer a safe space for clients to discuss and work through challenges.
Free phone and online support for parents and families during family planning, pregnancy and the first year of parenthood. Their service is informed by evidence-based mental healthcare and lived experience, self-assessment checklists, phone and online counselling, information, digital tools, and resources to support perinatal mental health and wellbeing. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 7:30pm and Saturdays between 9am and 4pm. Resources translated into 40 languages.
2 Loughnan, S. A., Joubert, A. E., Grierson, A., Andrews, G., & Newby, J. M. (2019). Internet-delivered psychological interventions for clinical anxiety and depression in perinatal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of women’s mental health, 22, 737-750.
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