Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is the Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign that signposts support for all mums who are suffering from mental health issues.

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health issues such as depression affect 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth. However, maternal mental health issues are treatable if mums have access to a health care provider and/or support programmes.

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance offer accessible support to women within the UK who are suffering with their mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. If you are struggling, or if you know someone who is, you can find out more information on the Maternal Mental Heath Alliance here.  

Common symptoms of depression include:

• A feeling of sadness that does not go away
• A loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy
• Feeling tired and lacking in energy
• Feeling unable to look after your baby
• A loss of appetite
• Increased appetite
• Feeling guilty or hopeless
• Feeling unable to bond with your baby
• Feeling no sense of enjoyment being around your baby
• Having thoughts that you could hurt or harm your baby (these thoughts may feel scary)
• Thinking about self-harm and/or suicide

If you think you may be suffering from a mental health problem, try and talk to someone who you trust. It is also important to get support through your midwife or GP.