Mental health month: Perinatal Wellbeing Centre takes innovative approach to perinatal mental health

While perinatal mental health issues affect up to 100,000 families across Australia each year, it is often a hidden condition as new parents may struggle to reach out and seek the help they need for fear of judgement or lack of understanding.

Today on the first day of mental health month an exciting change is happening as the Canberra perinatal mental health support organisation formerly known as PANDSI transforms into Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.

The launch signals an important new chapter for the organisation which has been a lead local provider of perinatal mental health support for thirty years.

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre CEO Dr Yvonne Luxford announced the change today, saying, “We have chosen the new name to better reflect the vital work we do assisting parents with perinatal mental health issues such as depression and anxiety; and to help raise awareness of perinatal wellbeing in
Australia more broadly.”

“We offer support during what is often the biggest life transition we go through. The challenges and responsibilities associated with a new baby can be overwhelming at times, and it is really important that the struggles of new mums and dads are validated,” Dr Luxford said.

“It is also critical that parents are given the tools they need to build resilience and take control of their own recovery,” she added.

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre offers support, education and guidance to new parents experiencing mental health issues; including women, men and parents from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Perinatal mental health support is not just for women – new fathers can also be vulnerable and require support. We also focus on reaching parents from diverse cultural communities and in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as they can be overlooked and need culturally appropriate care,” Dr Luxford said.

“Perinatal mental health support should be about addressing the mental and physical components of parents’ wellbeing, increasing resilience, and reducing social isolation. These things can really help parents adjusting to changes, and ensure they have the best chance of living a happy and fulfilling life with their new families,” Dr Luxford concluded.

For further comment:

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre: 02 6287 3961

Download the media release here.