PRESS RELEASE: New Data Highlights Critical Gaps in Perinatal Mental Health Care for Canberra Mothers and Parents

New national data released for Perinatal Mental Health Week shows significant gaps in perinatal mental health support across Australia, with relevance for families in the ACT, where demand for help continues to grow.

Data from a recent qualitative study of the impact of peer support on women’s mental health treatment experiences during the perinatal period reports that four in five parents across Australia receive no professional mental-health support during the perinatal period. Almost one in three are never asked a single question about their emotional wellbeing, despite perinatal anxiety and depression affecting around 100,000 families every year and being a leading contributor to maternal death.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that ACT antenatal screening rates sit at just above 70%, meaning nearly one in four mothers may miss a recorded mental-health check during pregnancy, and among those screened, close to one in ten show signs of significant distress.

Taken together, these figures reveal a critical gap: many Canberra families are experiencing the early months of parenthood without timely support, clear referral pathways, and often without knowing where to turn until things feel overwhelming.

Even more concerning for frontline support services is that almost one in three parents was never asked about their mental health by a healthcare provider. This silence, according to national leaders, leaves many parents struggling without the connection or care they need.

The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre (PWC) CEO, Dr Yvonne Luxford, says that current data reflects the experiences of many ACT families.

“Too many parents tell us that they felt no one checked in during the early days of becoming a new mother or parent.”

“Parents in Canberra share the same challenges highlighted nationally. We regularly hear from mums, dads and partners who were never asked how they were coping emotionally, or didn’t know where to turn until things felt too overwhelming and significant distress was experienced.

To help connect parents with local services early on, the centre has begun delivering Antenatal Wellbeing Workshops at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children. It will soon expand these sessions to Calvary John James Hospital.

“The workshops support expecting parents in strengthening their mental wellbeing during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, while also fostering early connection with other families,” says Dr Luxford.

What makes the most significant difference is timely, compassionate, personalised support, being seen, heard and met where you are. No parent should navigate this alone.”

The survey highlights that almost half of new mothers and parents relied solely on their partner for emotional support. Yet, more than a third wished they could connect with other parents who understood their experiences.
Victoria, a mother of two and former Perinatal Wellbeing Centre client, recalls that by six months postpartum with her second child, she was struggling to cope.

“I wasn’t sleeping, I was overwhelmed, and the anxiety felt constant. By the time I reached out to the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, I was in a really bad place and didn’t know how to climb out of it on my own,” Victoria said.

“Meeting the amazing women at the centre made all the difference. From the very first phone call, I felt understood and supported without judgment. They understood the perinatal period can be hard, but they also believed recovery was absolutely possible, and that gave me both comfort and hope.

My biggest regret is not asking for help sooner. I didn’t recognise the signs of postnatal depression and anxiety at that time. I knew that I was struggling and couldn’t sleep, but just thought it would resolve itself once we were through the newborn stage.”

“Looking back, reaching out earlier could have changed everything. If you’re struggling, there is no downside to seeking support. You don’t have to do it alone, and you really can feel like yourself again.”

This reflects trends in the ACT, where PWC’s telephone counselling programs, mental health support groups, education and awareness sessions and community-based programs continue to play a vital role in helping parents feel less isolated across districts, including Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, and Gungahlin.

Perinatal Mental Health Week: ‘What you need, when you need it’

This year’s Perinatal Mental Health Week (23–29 November 2025) highlights the individual experiences behind the statistics. Families’ needs vary widely, from a mother managing intrusive thoughts, to a father feeling overwhelmed returning to work, to a couple navigating fertility challenges or adjusting to life with multiple children. The Perinatal Support Finder and online resources at www.pmhweek.org.au will help parents find support for their unique perinatal experience.

About Perinatal Wellbeing Centre
The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is dedicated to supporting parents’ mental health and wellbeing during the perinatal period. The Centre provides counselling, group support, and a range of evidence-based programs to help parents navigate the challenges of new parenthood. For more information about Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, visit Perinatal Wellbeing Centre

ENDS