Becoming a parent can be exciting but it can also bring a whole new level of worry into your life. All of a sudden you have a small human to look after! This first episode of ‘Survive and Thrive’ explores Catherine’s story of becoming a mum, and how she managed anxiety during her journey. Catherine talks openly and honestly with our host Alice about what prompted her feelings of anxiety, how she got through those difficult times, and how she grew to learn that while anxiety is often a common companion on a parent’s journey, it doesn’t need to stop you from thriving as a parent.

Survive and Thrive is a PANDA podcast. Visit panda.org.au for more info and support.

Speak to PANDA:

Call the PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 (9am-7:30pm Monday-Saturday AEST).

The Helpline provides a safe and confidential space for any new or expecting parent struggling with the challenges of becoming a new parent.

Our highly trained and caring counsellors can help you work through your challenges by talking openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Partners, family members and friends can also call, as can health professionals supporting expecting and new parents.

More resources for support:

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: 1800 882 436 (24/7)

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or lifeline.org.au (12pm to midnight)

Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au (24/7)

QLife: 1800 184 527 or qlife.org.au (3PM to midnight)

Mensline: 1300 78 99 78 or mensline.org.au (24/7)

1800 RESPECT (support for people affected by family violence): 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au (24/7)

If you need help now:

If you are concerned about your safety or that of a loved one, please call 000 or visit your local hospital emergency department.

You might also be interested in:

• Try a Mental Health Checklist: Sometimes it’s hard to know if what you’re experiencing (or noticing in a loved one) could be a reason to seek help. These short, anonymous checklists are available on the PANDA website.
• Tips on parental wellbeing: https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/wellbeing-and-self-care.
• How is Dad Going? Info and resources specifically for expecting and new dads: https://www.howisdadgoing.org.au/.

If you liked the show:

Please rate, review and subscribe so that more people can here about Survive and Thrive. And let us know what you think on PANDA’s Facebook and Instagram.