The 22nd of June is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day. 1 in 10 new or expectant dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression in Australia and over 40% of first-time dads believe postnatal depression and anxiety is a sign of weakness. Man vs. Mood is a world-first, specialised web-based treatment for depressed or anxious new fathers, developed by the team at PIRI. This program will be based on the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach of our successful MumMoodBooster treatment program for new mums. Read More...
PIRI is committed to
supporting parent well-being
and infant development
(conception to 2 years)
through research and evidence
based treatments.
supporting parent well-being
and infant development
(conception to 2 years)
through research and evidence
based treatments.
PIRI Research Blog
International Fathers Mental Health Day
“I knew I’d lose sleep, but I didn’t expect to feel so exhausted!” Quote from a new father
Parenthood is a time of transition requiring both mothers and fathers to adapt to new roles, demands and responsibilities. Parents need to continue to make changes to their life to accommodate their own changing needs, those of their baby and partner. This constant demand for adaptation can be draining on energy and resources and leave both mother and father exhausted and in some cases depressed and anxious. Read more...
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day was an important event for new and expectant mums. We hope amidst the distance and challenging times that you were still able to connect with your loved ones. At PIRI, we understand you may feel concerned about COVID-19. We’ve taken the time to put together some tips to help new and expectant parents cope with the current situation.
Parental mental health – a key factor in a child’s first 1000 days
PIRI is partnering with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth to deliver this important Summit in Melbourne on the 11th and 12th of March, 2020. Professor Jeannette Milgrom, PIRI's Executive Director will join thought leaders and panellists and provide a Closing Address on Day 1. PIRI staff Jennifer Ericksen and Catherine Acton will have an active role in synthesizing themes that arise.
The Summit 2020, will aim to involve delegates to provide a blueprint for early childhood wellbeing for the next 10+ years.Read more...
Latest News
Find out about PIRI’s latest developments, health professional training, and resources for parents
MumSpace.com.au provides new mums and mums-to-be with access to free resources and evidence-based supports for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. Led by the Parent-Infant Research Institute, the Perinatal Depression e-Consortium (PDeC) has developed this website to provide a stepped-care approach and offer a ‘one-stop shop’ offering Essential Skills in the transition to parenthood and easy access to online resources for all new parents, MindMum, an app developed to assist with emotional wellbeing in the perinatal period, when mums need ‘a little extra help’ and MumMoodBooster, an effective online treatment program for perinatal depression and anxiety. All of the resources on MumSpace are evidence-based, and trusted resources.
MumSpace launch
Dads need to look after themselves too! It may surprise you that men may also experience symptoms of depression when expecting a new baby or becoming a new parent. 1 in 10 expecting or new dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression in Australia. 43% of first-time dads believe postnatal depression and anxiety is a sign of weakness. You may also feel uncertain and insecure about your relationship or possibly disconnected from your partner. We’re encouraging dads who are struggling to seek help. If you feel like you are struggling to cope, overwhelmed, depressed or confused, you may wish to discuss this with your doctor or seek help via some resources below.
See our other resources for dads – As a Dad, you can find help day-to-day for the challenges of parenting a newborn at MumSpace or Towards Parenthood.
Check out symptoms of depression – click here
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 | PANDA – 1300 726 306
Infant Mental Health week
PIRI is committed to supporting parent well-being and infant development, from conception to the first years of life, through research and evidence-based treatments.
Find out more on our About PIRI page!
Infant Mental Health week
Anonymous cognitive behavioural treatment that can be accessed online, anytime, anywhere! Proven to treat depression in 79% of cases. Developed and scientifically tested by leading Australian and International researchers (Parent-Infant Research Institute & Oregon Research Institute).
Visit mummoodbooster.com to find out more!
MumMoodBooster: Online Treatment for Mums with Postnatal Depression
PIRI have been successful in obtaining funding from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) as part of the Rapid Applied Research Translation program.
One in seven women experience postnatal depression, yet only 10 percent receive adequate treatment. Postnatal depression screening is a first step, currently conducted by time-poor Maternal Child Health Nurses (MCHNs). This study is using a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), designed by PIRI, to help nurses make the next steps following screening, and connect women with the appropriate support.
Click here for more information.
Rapid Applied Research Translation program
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Motivational Interviewing Improves Help-seeking for Postnatal Depression and Anxiety
Latest PIRI research shows that treatment uptake for postnatal depression and anxiety can be increased with a brief motivational interviewing intervention delivered by Maternal and Child Health Nurses.
Find out more on our Research Blog!
MI study
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DURING A CHALLENGING TIME
We understand new and expectant parents may feel concerned about COVID-19. Here at PIRI we are continuing to offer digital (via MumSpace) and telehealth options to support families. Amidst the challenging times, a helpful reminder that you can still get the help you need.
The Parent-Infant Research Institute and MumSpace remain committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of mothers, fathers and babies, during pregnancy and in the postnatal period
Some tips to help new and expectant parents cope with the current situation can be found here.
Join our Research Study:
- Beating the Blues before Birth (BBB), our study on cognitive behavioural therapy (delivered via telehealth) for depression during pregnancy may be suitable for you.
Need help?
PIRI has more treatment options available for parents and families.
Find the right option for you: click here.
Statistics
Each year over 60,000 Australian women suffer antenatal and/or postnatal depression, and the figures are likely to be just as high for anxiety. The estimated lifetime costs are over 7 billion dollars.
PIRI’s Areas of Speciality
Our areas of speciality include:
• Antenatal and postnatal depression/ anxiety
• Transition to parenthood
• Premature birth
• Enhancing mental health and infant development
