Mental health difficulties faced by women during pregnancy and after having a baby are being highlighted by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust this Maternal Mental Health Week.
The Trust, which provides a Maternal Mental Health Service and Perinatal Mental Health Service across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, is using the week to encourage women to get talking about their mental health during the life-changing time of pregnancy and early parenthood.
Maternal Mental Health Week, which takes place 1-7 May, is a national week-long campaign run by Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK and is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy.
It comes as up to one in five women develop mental health difficulties during pregnancy or the first year after birth, making it vital that the subject is discussed and women are aware of the support they can receive.
Perinatal mental illness can include antenatal depression, postnatal depression, anxiety, perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder.
These illnesses can range from mild to severe and can require different kinds of treatment, as well as impacting the woman’s loved ones and family.
Dr Katie Andrews is a consultant clinical psychologist and leads the Maternal Mental Health Service at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. She is taking time this week to share wellbeing advice to women and their loved ones who may be worried about their mental health.
Dr Andrews said: “Many of us have visions of what pregnancy and motherhood might be like, perpetuated by images in the media. Try not to put pressure on yourself for things to be perfect. Be led by what both you and your baby need, rather than a pre-existing plan. Go easy on yourself, being ‘good enough’ is just fine.
“Having a baby is a huge life-changing event and it is natural to have times when you feel overwhelmed, anxious and tearful. Remember that it is OK to not feel OK. You aren’t alone and it doesn’t make you a bad mum.
“You are the best person to know whether what you're feeling is normal for you. Talking to friends and family can help – but if you need more support, talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP. You can also seek support from local support groups, national helplines and online support.
“Sadly there is still stigma around mental health difficulties, but the more we talk about our feelings the more we realise there is nothing to be ashamed of and we are not alone.”
Maternal Mental Health and Perinatal Services at BCHFT are secondary services, meaning people are referred to the service by their GP or another healthcare professional involved in their care.
Anyone worried about their mental health should contact their GP.
Free talking therapies are also available across the Black Country, which people can self-refer in to. The service provides support with issues such as anxiety and depression, with psychological practitioners providing a range of cognitive behavioural therapy, courses and appointments.
To access the service:
· People in Walsall should call Walsall Talking Therapies on 0800 9530995
· If you live in Sandwell and need support, contact Sandwell Talking Therapies on 0303 0339903
· Residents in Wolverhampton should contact Wolverhampton Talking Therapies on 0800 9230222
· In Dudley, people should call 0800 9530404 to access Dudley Talking Therapies.