Support Groups

South Africa

• Post Natal Depression Support Association (PNDSA):
  • Website: www.pndsa.org.za
  • SMS Helpline: SMS ‘help’ and your name to 082 882 0072
  • Office: (021) 823-7333
• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG):
  • Website: www.sadag.org/
  • 24-Hour Toll-Free Emergency Helpline: 0800 567 567
  • 8am-8pm Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 22 23
  • 8am-5pm Cipla Mental Health WhatsApp: 0800 456 789
  • Support Groups: SADAG has over 180 free support groups nationwide. Contact them for details on groups near you.
• Mom’s Connect Group (Cape Town):
  • This is a support group for mothers with babies and toddlers.
  • Contact: Jill Matthew – 072 329 0281 / [email address removed]
  • Meets Thursdays during school term, 10:00 – 12:00 at Christ Church, 8 Richmond Rd, Kenilworth.
• Parent and Child Counselling Centre (Johannesburg):
  • Offers counselling services to parents and children.
  • Phone: (011) 484-1734/5/6

United States

• Postpartum Support International (PSI):
  • Website: www.postpartum.net
  • National Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (available in English and Spanish)
  • Warmline (Massachusetts PSI): (866) 472-1897
  • “Chat with the Expert” phone sessions: Wednesdays for moms, first Mondays for dads (details on website).
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
  • Phone/Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) – 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new moms.
• Postpartum Resource Center of New York (PRCNY):
  • Website: https://postpartumny.org/
  • State-wide Helpline (New York): Toll free: 855-631-0001, Office: 631-422-2255
  • Email (New York): via website contact form.
  • Offers online and in-person support groups (some with fees, some free). Check their website for current listings.
• The Office on Women’s Health (OASH):
  • Website: https://womenshealth.gov/
  • Provides information and resources on PPD.
  • Helpline: 1-800-994-9662 (general women’s health, can provide PPD resources).
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration):
  • Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7 free and confidential information and referral services (in English and Spanish) for mental health and substance use disorders.
• Crisis Lifeline:
  • Call or Text: 988 – 24/7 support for anyone in distress.

United Kingdom

• PANDAS Foundation UK (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support):
  • Website: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/
  • Helpline: 0808 1961 776 (9 am – 8 pm, Monday to Sunday)
  • Email Support: via website contact form (replies within 72 hours).
  • WhatsApp Support: Message 07903 508334 (8 am – 10 pm daily).
  • Online and face-to-face support groups (check website for details).
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA):
  • Website: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/
  • This is an alliance of organisations, providing a directory of services and support. Use their website to find local and national resources.
• Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI):
  • Website: www.apni.org
  • Helpline: 0344 856 8756 (10 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Email: [email address removed]
• Mind:
  • Website: www.mind.org.uk
  • Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Email: [email address removed]
  • Provides information and signposting to local services and support groups.
• NCT (National Childbirth Trust):
  • Website: www.nct.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0300 330 0700 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Offers courses for new parents and may have local support networks.

Ireland

• Postnatal Depression Ireland:
  • Website: www.pnd.ie (currently redirects to Aware)
  • Phone: 021 4922083 or 086 7872107
  • Email: [email address removed]
  • Hosts coffee mornings and support meetings.
• Aware:
  • Website: www.aware.ie
  • Support Line: 1800 80 48 48 (freephone, open to anyone over 18)
  • Email: [email address removed]
  • Text 50808 (free 24/7 text service for support).
  • While focusing on general depression, they also support individuals with PPD.
• Cuidiú – Irish Childbirth Trust:
  • Website: www.cuidiu-ict.ie
  • Phone: 01 872 4501
  • Parent-to-parent voluntary support charity offering information and support on PPD. Check their website for local support worker contacts.
• Parentline:
  • Website: www.parentline.ie
  • Phone: 01 873 3500 (Monday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm, Friday 10 am to 7 pm)
  • National, confidential helpline offering support, information, and guidance on all aspects of being a parent, including PPD.
• Samaritans:
  • Freephone: 116 123 (24/7, 365 days a year)
  • Email: [email address removed]

Other Predominantly English Speaking Countries

• Australia:
  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia):
    • Website: www.panda.org.au
    • National Helpline: 1300 726 306 (9 am – 7:30 pm AEST/AEDT, Monday to Friday)
• Canada:
  • Pacific Postpartum Support Society:
    • Website: www.postpartum.org (primarily serves British Columbia but has resources for Canada)
    • Toll-Free Helpline: 1-855-255-7999 (within BC)
    • Email Support: via website contact form.
  • Look for provincial or regional mental health services and postpartum support groups as resources can vary.

General Depression Support Groups (Useful in all countries)

• Most of the national mental health organisations listed above (SADAG, Mind, Aware, etc.) also provide support and resources for general depression, which can be helpful for women experiencing PPD as it is a form of depression. Look for local branches or support groups on their websites.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (USA): www.dbsalliance.org – Offers peer support groups and online resources.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (USA): www.nami.org – Provides information, support, and local affiliate listings for support groups.
• Grow (Ireland & Internationally): www.grow.ie – Offers free, confidential, peer-support groups for mental health.

Support for Fathers

• While fewer organisations specifically focus solely on fathers with PPD or related issues, the following can offer support:
  • PANDAS Foundation UK: Their helpline and support services are available to all parents affected by perinatal mental illness, including fathers.
  • Postpartum Support International (PSI) (USA): They have resources specifically for fathers and offer a “Chat with the Expert” session for dads on the first Monday of each month.
  • National Childbirth Trust (NCT) (UK): Their courses and local networks can provide a space for fathers to connect with other new parents.
  • Parentline (Ireland): Offers support to all parents, including fathers, on any parenting issue.
  • General mental health organisations (like Mind, Aware, SADAG) are also crucial resources for fathers experiencing mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. They may have specific resources or can guide them to appropriate support.
  • Dads Matter UK: https://dadsmatteruk.org/ – While not solely focused on PPD, they support fathers’ mental health.
  • Look for local parenting groups or men’s support networks in your area, as these can provide valuable peer support.

Facebook Groups

• Search on Facebook for terms like “Postnatal Depression Support Group [Country/Region]” or “Perinatal Mental Health Support [Country/Region]”. Many private and public groups exist offering peer support. Be mindful of the group’s moderation and focus to ensure it’s a safe and supportive space. Examples include:
  • “PND Support UK”
  • “Postpartum Depression Support Group USA”
  • “Postnatal Depression Ireland Support Group”

Important Note: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. These resources listed above are for support and information, not for emergency intervention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression or any mental health condition.