As we observe Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s paramount to highlight the significance of mental wellbeing for mothers. Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences, but they also bring forth a multitude of emotional challenges. Amidst the joy and anticipation, it’s essential to acknowledge and address the complexities of maternal mental health.
Research consistently emphasises the profound impact of maternal mental health on both mother and child. A mother’s wellbeing is intricately linked to her child’s development, shaping not only their infancy but also their future emotional and cognitive resilience. Recognising the signs of poor maternal mental health is crucial for early intervention and support.
Here are a few indicators that may signal poor maternal mental health:
· Persistent Anxiety or Worry: Feeling constantly anxious or worried, particularly about the wellbeing of the baby, can indicate underlying mental health struggles.
· Feelings of Isolation: Motherhood can sometimes be isolating, but persistent feelings of loneliness or detachment from others may signify depression or anxiety.
· Mood Swings: Fluctuating between extreme highs and lows, experiencing irritability, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions can be signs of mood disorders.
· Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Struggling to form a connection with the newborn, feeling detached, or experiencing intrusive thoughts.
· Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, changes in appetite, or unexplained physical ailments without medical cause.
Addressing maternal mental health often requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses professional support, family and social network support, community resources, and self-care strategies. It’s important for new mums to take practical steps to look after their wellbeing and reduce the risks of developing mental health issues. Here are five self-care tips to foster maternal wellbeing:
Prioritise Self-Compassion
Motherhood comes with its share of challenges, and it’s essential to practice self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself, acknowledge your efforts, and embrace imperfection. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent and sometimes you might need to ask for expert advice, there’s no shame in seeking the wisdom of the village!!
Establish Support Networks
Surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand the demands of motherhood. Whether it’s family, friends, or online communities, having a support network can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional validation.
Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to cultivate awareness and presence. Simple activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindful walking can help reduce stress.
Maintain Boundaries
Set realistic expectations and boundaries to prevent burnout. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities and prioritize activities that replenish your energy and wellbeing. Try to remember that “good enough” applies to many non essential jobs and sometimes you’ve just got to prioritise the essentials and let the rest wait until you’ve got the time or energy to deal with it!
Advance Planning
Sometimes there won’t be enough hours in the day and jobs that previously were simple, become much more difficult when you’re stressed and sleep deprived. Make use of modern technology such as online shopping, task list/to-do app’s, paying bills by direct debit.
Seek Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to seek professional support if you’re struggling with your mental health. Counselling, or support groups can provide invaluable guidance and someone empathetic to talk to!
By prioritising maternal mental health, we not only empower mothers to thrive but also lay foundations for healthier, happier families. Let’s continue to raise awareness, destigmatise conversations around maternal mental health, and foster a culture of support that helps assure people that it’s absolutely normal to struggle and asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Need Urgent Help?
Talk to a health professional, such as a GP, midwife, health visitor or First Contact Mental Health Worker (available at your local GP surgery)
Go to A&E at your local hospital
Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or email jo@samaritans.org
Contact the Crisis Team on 0800 0516 171
Need some extra support?
Access a range of talking therapies through the NHS at https://northyorkshiretalkingtherapies.co.uk
Action on Post-Partum Psychosis can provide 1-2-1 and group peer support online and an online forum. https://www.app-network.org/
Pandas is a community offering peer-to-peer support for you, your family and your network. They provide a helpline (0808 196 1776, 11am-10pm 7 days a week.), social media groups, online peer support, email support and an in person support group meeting monthly on the last Tuesday of the month, 4pm – 5pm at Whitby Library.
Family Action, Family Line – 0808 802 6666 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.) Provide emotional support and practical guidance – whether you’re having a parenting issue or you’re feeling overwhelmed with the pressures of family life.
Family Lives – 0808 800 2222 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat – 10am-3pm.) Confidential, free helpline providing emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life.
Gingerbread provide support to single parents including a helpline (0808 802 0925) and range of online peer support groups https://www.gingerbread.org.uk
