Strong, Capable and Not Alone: Mental Health Support for Young Mums

If you’re a young mum who wants to learn about what you can do to help stay afloat and what to do if you feel like you’re drowning, then this blog is for you.

First off, we want you to know:

1. You’re doing something amazing
2. You’re not alone.
3. You’re not doing it wrong.
4. And your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s.

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You’ve Got Strengths

Being a young mum takes real strength. Even when things feel tough, you might be showing up in amazing ways without even realising it.

Here are some of the things young mums are great at:

• Bouncing back from hard stuff.
• Figuring things out with creativity and guts.
• Caring deeply about their baby’s needs.
• Doing a lot – even when support is low.
• Wanting more for themselves and their little ones.

None of this means it’s always easy – but, based on research with other young mums, we think you’ve got what it takes.

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What Makes It Hard?

Lots of young mums feel judged – by people, services, even strangers. That kind of judgement can make it harder to ask for help or trust people.

Also, we know that some young mums deal with:

• Feeling overwhelmed, sad, angry or worried.
• People not listening, or acting like they know better.
• Money stress or pressure to finish school or find work.
• Family or relationship problems, or feeling alone.

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What Can I Do If I Feel Like I’m Drowning?

If you feel like you’re drowning, you might have also noticed that:  

• You’re feeling really on edge, exhausted or empty
• You’re not sleeping well even though you’re so tired
• You can’t think straight and feel confused, foggy or overwhelmed  
• You feel distant from other people, maybe your baby as well  
• You don’t want to hang out with other people  
• You don’t want to go to school, college or work

These are all real things. They don’t mean you’re a bad mum. They mean you’re human and carrying a lot and real help is available.  

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Does Getting Help, Actually Help?

It might seem obvious, but yes, getting help can feel like someone is throwing you a life raft. Help can look like:

• Talking to someone – a counsellor, youth worker, midwife or helpline can be a good place to start.
• Connecting with other young mums – You’re not the only one. Talking to others can feel powerful.
• Writing things down – A journal or app can help you notice patterns in your thoughts or moods.
• Taking breaks – Even short moments just for you matter.
• Asking for support – You don’t have to do this alone. Ever.

Sometimes it can feel like too much effort but know that these suggestions get easier the more they are practiced and soon they will feel second nature.

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Getting ‘Good’ Help

You matter. Your baby matters. And looking after yourself helps both of you.

It’s awesome to ask for help from professional. You absolutely deserve care that’s kind, clear, and built around you. Good mental health care should:

• Treat you with respect (no judgement).
• Help you feel safe and listened to.
• Work with you, not over you.
• Be easy to reach – maybe online, in your area, or with someone who gets young parents.

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You're Doing Something Amazing

Being a young mum doesn’t make you less – it makes you powerful in ways others don’t always see. Your love, your efforts, and your hopes are real. You’re allowed to be proud of what you’re doing – and to want support along the way.

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Need Someone to Talk To?

• PANDA (National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline)
  Mon–Fri 9am – 7.30pm
  Sat 9am – 4pm
  1300 726 306

• Lifeline Australia (24 hour Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention Services)
  24/7 Crisis Support
  13 11 14
  Text and chat also available

• 1800Respect (Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service)
  24/7 Support
  1800 737 732
  

Mental Health and Wellbeing resources for all parents

• Gidget Foundation Australia (National Perinatal Mental Health Counselling)
  Mon–Fri 9am-5pm
  1300 851 758

• For When (National Care-Navigation Phone Line)
  Mon–Fri 9am - 4.30pm in each State and Territory
  1300 24 23 22

• Headspace (National Youth Mental Health for 12-25 Year Olds)
  3pm-10pm AEDT every day
  1800 650 890
  Chat and email also available

• Beyond Blue (National Mental Health Crisis Support)
  24/7 Support
  1300 22 4363
  Chat also available

• Kids Helpline (National Counselling Service for 5-25 Year Olds)
  24/7 Mental Health Support
  1800 55 1800
  Chat also available

• Suicide Callback Service (Counselling For Those Affected by Suicide)
  24/7 Support
  1300 659 467
  Chat also available

• QLife (Anonymous LGBTIQ+ Peer Support and Referral)
  3pm – 12am every day
  1800 184 527
  Chat also available

• 13YARN Australia (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Crisis Support Line)
  24/7 Support
  13 92 76

• Young Well Beings
  Free Online Mental Health and Well Being Program designed for young mums
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• SMS4Dads
  Free Online Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources for Dads

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Specific Perinatal Mental Health Services: Some regions offer specialist clinics or home visiting programs for young mums with mental health needs. Your GP or Midwife can also refer you to these:

• Karitane - Provides early parenting support to families with children from birth to five years old
• ‍Tresillian - Provides early parenting support to families ‍
• BRAVE – Resources for young parents  

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You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.
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_{“It’s important for young mums to know they are not alone, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure. Your wellbeing matters—for you, your baby, and your future.}

^{Young Mum (21 with two children, 3 and 1 years old) who is part of Young Well Beings, 2025.}