Perinatal mental health crisis among Riverina mothers in NSW

Olivia Mullan and Jessica Anderson, mothers from the Riverina region of New South Wales, describe severe postpartum depression and anxiety after the births of their sons, William and Thomas. Both recount difficulty accessing timely mental‑health support, with Mullan noting that being treated in Sydney far from home delayed care and risked separation from her child.

Research commissioned by Gidget Foundation Australia and conducted by PureProfile found that 28 % of parents in regional NSW experience perinatal mental‑health problems, while 43 % believe their symptoms are not severe enough to seek help. Local health officials estimate that each year more than 400 parents in Wagga Wagga and over 670 across the wider Riverina area will need perinatal mental‑health services, highlighting a growing demand for specialised care in the region.