Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 3rd-9th May 2021 and is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
It’s all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems, advocating for women and families affected by it, changing attitudes and helping families access the information, care and support they need to recover.
The week is organised and led by the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK (PMHP UK), who launched the first-ever UK Maternal Mental Health Matters Awareness Week in 2014.
Perinatal depression refers to depression that can occur in a woman at a time around the birth of a child. The depression can either occur before the birth (antenatal depression) of after the birth (postnatal or postpartum depression)
It’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.
Feeling a bit down and low following the birth of a baby is very common and often referred to as the “baby blues”. The mother may feel weepy and cry at the slightest thing. This is caused by the dramatic change in hormones that occurs. Often women say they have no idea what is causing them to weep, but they do whether it’s about something happy or sad. They have no control over it. This usually occurs a few days after the birth. Women know that this is supposed to be a happy time so often feel guilty about both the way they are feeling and the tears! When these feelings last more than two weeks it may be the sign of the beginning of a depressive illness.
The symptoms don’t initially differ from depression at other times. However, this type of depression has an impact not only on the mother but also on the relationship she may have with the baby. This can affect the child’s development and, it is for this reason, it is important that she gets good support and an early medical intervention.
Factors that may contribute to perinatal depression are the hormonal and physical change which result from the pregnancy, the childbirth and the sudden responsibilities of caring for a new born.
Postpartum psychosis is a serious but rare mental health problem which develops after you give birth. It is sometimes called puerperal psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, and it is important to seek help as soon as possible if you experience symptoms. With the right support, most people fully recover.
Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:
- A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
- Lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
- Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from contact with other people
- Problems concentrating and making decisions
- Frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby
Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression, because it can develop gradually.
Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.
Speak to a GP or your Health Visitor if you think you may be depressed –
- Many Health Visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.
- If they cannot help, they’ll know someone in your area who can.
- Encourage your partner to seek help if you think they might be having problems.
- Do not struggle alone hoping that the problem will go away.
As with other types of Mental Illness, with early intervention recovery is both possible and very likely.
If you feel you may need some support you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, inormation and advice services. All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
Useful sources & Information:
If you would like to access further information about Maternal Mental Health awareness week in more detail please follow the links listed here:
https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week-2021/#more-7831
https://perinatalmhpartnership.com/
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘Post-partum mental illness’ this is being delivered live on Wednesday 5th May at 12pm, please use the below link to register for this session –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5892106206370719503
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.