29/4/2025
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Our blog articles are written and reviewed by experienced clinicians at London Psychiatry Clinic, including consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Every post is grounded in current research and clinical expertise to ensure that the information you read is accurate, relevant, and trustworthy.
Are you or someone you know struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or after having a baby? You're not alone. Each year, one in five women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or after giving birth. Yet many suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness about available support.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week shines a light on these struggles, helping mothers understand that reaching out isn't a sign of weakness. Seeking support is an act of courage and self-care. In this article, we'll explore the importance of maternal mental health and learn to recognise the warning signs of prenatal and postnatal depression. We’ll provide compassionate guidance on where to find professional support that can transform the motherhood journey from one of isolation to one of connection and healing.
Why Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Matters
Maternal Mental Health Week happens in the first week of May every year. It’s organised and run by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a coalition of UK agencies dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of women and their families before, during, and up to a year after birth.
Having a dedicated week to spread awareness about this issue is particularly important. There are still many misconceptions around motherhood that often stop women from seeking help, even though maternal mental health challenges are extremely common.
About 15.6% of pregnant women and 19.8% of postpartum women experience depression and anxiety, according to a review published by the World Health Organisation. These figures offer us an insight into the scope of the issue. You probably already know someone who is or was suffering but may not have felt able to speak up about it. The belief that women should be able to cope without support is unfortunately prevalent in our society. And this can be a huge barrier to reaching out for help.
“I know from personal experience that trying to have a baby, and then pregnancy and childbirth are times in your life that are extremely challenging for many of us”, says Dr Alice Ashby, consultant psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director at the London Psychiatry Clinic. “This period of time comes with the highest highs and the lowest lows, often swinging between these states for seemingly no good reason.”
It’s during this period, where your hormones are fluctuating and your body might feel strange, that having someone to listen and talk to can be extremely helpful.
What Is Maternal and Perinatal Mental Health?
You might have heard the phrases ‘maternal mental health’ and ‘perinatal mental health’ being used around this topic. They both refer to a woman’s psychological well-being in the critical period between trying for a baby and up to two years after birth. This is often referred to as perinatal and includes:
- Prenatal or antenatal mental health: Mental health before conception and during pregnancy.
- Postnatal mental health: Mental health in the period after giving birth.
- Perinatal mental health: Mental health during pregnancy and up to two years after birth
This vulnerable time can be physically and psychologically demanding. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and like things are more difficult to deal with than usual. It can be really helpful to know some of the common maternal mental health challenges that women face. These might include:
- perinatal anxiety
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childbirth
- and rarely but seriously, postpartum psychosis
These conditions can affect the whole family system, not only the mother. And research suggests that perinatal mental health difficulties can impact the important bond between baby and mother. This may be another reason women might feel shame around struggling with their mental health. We all want our families and new babies to be happy and healthy, and it can feel incredibly destabilising to feel like we aren’t coping in the ways we want to.
The perinatal period involves many transitions and it’s normal to feel a mix of conflicting emotions. Speaking to someone who understands how to help you move through your experience can be a lifeline.
Dr Shetal Patel, a Specialist Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience, notes, “You are not alone, and struggling during this period does not mean you are failing. All too often, we ‘keep going’ or ‘soldier on’ through difficult times, and accessing support can be daunting. If you’re reading this and considering accessing support, this is a sign of your commitment to yourself and to those that matter to you.”
One of Dr Patels' clients offered an insight into her experience with receiving compassionate and dedicated support:
“Shetal was pivotal in my postnatal journey and transition to motherhood. She was engaged, and empathic and motivated. She would allow me the opportunity to talk freely and be truly open and honest with my feelings. I really appreciated her support, expertise and listening ear. She understood my needs and empowered me to be the best version of myself. Most importantly I now feel I am a more present, happy and content mother.”
It can often be incredibly reassuring to hear stories about recovery journeys. They help us feel less alone and offer a sense of hope that it's possible to navigate such a shifting landscape.
Signs of Prenatal Depression
While going through a time of such enormous change, it’s normal that you might experience depressive thoughts and feelings. Knowing the signs and what to look for can help you understand what might be happening. It can also be a stepping stone towards getting the support you need and deserve. Some of the symptoms may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Losing interest in activities that you used to find enjoyable
- Excessive worrying about your baby or anxiety about the future
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep patterns beyond what's typical in pregnancy
- Feeling guilty or blaming yourself for your problems
- Feeling irritable or getting angry easily
Signs of Postnatal Depression
Depression after giving birth isn’t something that only affects a few women. It’s probably a lot more common than you think, but because of the misconceptions surrounding maternal mental health, it isn’t talked about anywhere near enough. According to the NHS, more than one in 10 women experience postnatal depression, and it can affect partners and fathers too. If you are worried that this might be something you or someone you know is going through, knowing the main signs and symptoms can be really helpful. These include:
- Feeling sad or tearful a lot of the time
- Feeling agitated, angry or irritable towards your partner, baby or other children
- Experiencing a lack of energy and extreme tiredness all the time
- Feeling very sleepy during the day
- Issues with concentration and making decisions
- Losing your appetite and interest in food, or overeating (sometimes called comfort eating)
- Feeling guilty, blaming yourself or experiencing a sense of hopelessness
- Experiencing negative thoughts such as feeling like you aren’t a good enough mother, that your baby might not love you or that you aren’t able to look after your baby
- Feeling very anxious about something bad happening to your baby
- Experiencing difficulty bonding with your baby
- Losing interest in things that used to bring joy or pleasure
- Difficulty sleeping at night, even when your baby is asleep
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s completely understandable to be worried. Please know that it isn’t your fault and you aren’t to blame. Depression can happen to anyone, but you don’t have to deal with it all alone and there are pathways to recovery. It takes a lot of bravery to recognise that you need a bit of extra support. And that’s what we’ll discuss in the next section, offering guidance on some of the ways you can access the help you need.
How to Get Help & Support in the UK
With all the shifting emotions that pregnancy and birthing bring, it’s understandable that looking for help can feel overwhelming. Compassion and empathy are key factors in helping women and families work through maternal mental health challenges. Feeling seen and heard is incredibly important, as is feeling like you aren’t alone and that there is a support network ready to help. Here are a few avenues you might like to explore if you feel like extra support would be beneficial for you, your family, or someone you know.
NHS Services:
- Your GP will be able to offer you an initial assessment to talk through what you are experiencing. They can then make specialist service recommendations to get you the help you need.
- The midwives and health visitors who visit your home after giving birth are trained to spot signs of maternal mental health issues. They’ll be able to talk through your experiences and help direct you to a variety of support services.
- There are specialist maternal mental health services in most towns and cities in the UK. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor will be able to share with you what’s available in your area.
Private Specialist Care:
Having someone to talk to one-on-one can be a lifeline. Our highly skilled maternal mental health specialists at the London Psychiatry Clinic are deeply caring and empathetic. They all understand the complexities of the perinatal period. They can offer a space for you to share what’s going on without judgement, and work compassionately with you to create tailored recovery plans. Our team includes:
- Dr Gertrude Seneviratne, a leading expert in perinatal psychiatry, deeply understands the unique challenges women face during different life stages.
- Dr Paula Murphy has a special interest in women’s mental health. She understands the anxiety and nervousness about seeking help, especially if you’ve felt unheard or disregarded in the past.
- Dr Alice Ashby has expertise in fertility and maternal mental health. She has extensive experience supporting women through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
- Dr Shetal Patel offers compassionate care to people experiencing difficulties during the perinatal period such as birth trauma, emotional overwhelm, anger, or struggles adjusting to parenthood. She also offers specialist support for non-birthing partners.
Charitable Organisations:
There are also a number of organisations in the UK that provide dedicated services for maternal mental health. Each one has a wealth of knowledge about the challenges of parenthood. They are here to listen and to guide you on the best path of action to get the help you need. Here are a few links you can look into now
Breaking the Stigma Around Maternal Mental Health: The Power of Speaking Up
When an issue is surrounded by stigma and misconception, it creates barriers to speaking up about it or reaching out for help. When we stay silent about maternal mental health struggles, we perpetuate the myth that motherhood is always a universally joyful experience. This can then start a cycle of blame and shame for anyone who isn’t feeling okay during the perinatal period. When this happens, it can lead to hiding how we are really feeling, like we have to bottle everything up inside.
No one wants to feel alone when they are going through a tough time. Research suggests that feelings of loneliness are extremely common in women who go through perinatal depression.
One of the ways we can help break through these barriers and cycles of isolation is by having open and honest conversations about the experiences of motherhood. These conversations make room for sharing authentic experiences, which not only helps raise awareness but can pave the way for others seeking support. Your voice matters and could be a lifeline for someone else struggling with their feelings around parenthood.
What You Can Do During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Using Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week as a springboard to open up these critical conversations could be a good starting point if you feel ready to get involved. The whole week is geared towards giving everyone the opportunity to contribute towards better maternal mental health. Here are some ways you can take part, or encourage others to:
For anyone experiencing maternal mental health challenges:
- Share your story if you feel ready and comfortable, whether with loved ones or through social media using #MaternalMHMatters.
- Use the energy of this week to reach out to a healthcare professional for support.
- Follow the hashtags on social media or look online to find and join a support group, either in person or online.
For friends and family of new mothers:
- Check in with new parents regularly. Ask gentle questions and listen without judgment. Let them know they aren’t alone.
- Offer to come over and help with household chores, prep some freezer meals or help with childcare.
- Take some time to learn about perinatal mental health so you can better support your friends and family in times of need.
For healthcare professionals:
- Review screening pathways for maternal mental health.
- Make sure your organisation is familiar with local referral pathways.
- Create safe spaces for mothers to talk about their mental health without fear of judgment.
During Maternal Mental Health Week and beyond, it’s important to remember that partners are affected too. Some helpful research suggests that non-birthing partners are also more likely to experience mental health difficulties in the perinatal period, often feeling overwhelmed, lonely, and frustrated. This week is an opportunity to encourage partners to open up and share their experiences too.
Helpful Resources for Mothers, Partners & Families
Sifting through the vast amount of information can be overwhelming, especially when going through a difficult time. So, to help things feel a bit simpler, here are a few useful resources you might want to take a look at.
Online Resources:
- Maternal Mental Health Week - all you need to know about Maternal Mental Health Week
- Baby Zone - a UK charity which aims to support parents with children in the early years, aged 0 to 5 years
- NHS Start4Life - information on mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood
Apps:
- Nourish - a mental well-being and support app for busy mums.
- Peanut - a social network app helping you to connect with other mums in your local area.
- Calm Mama - an app offering specialised meditations for mothers, with guidance from a trauma-informed hypnotherapist.
Books:
- "What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood" by Dr Alexandra Sacks.
- “This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression” by Karen R Kleiman and Valerie Davis Raskin.
- “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen R Kleiman.
Conclusion
Maternal Mental Health Week reminds us all that speaking up about the real challenges millions of women face during the perinatal period isn’t just important. It’s an essential part of making sure we move forward with breaking the stigma and cycles of shame and silence that surround this vulnerable time. Together we can:
- Reduce stigma surrounding maternal mental health by opening up vital and honest conversations.
- Connect mothers with life-changing support and treatment for them and their families
- Improve mental, physical and social outcomes for mothers, babies and entire families.
- Create a society where maternal mental well-being is prioritised and treated with the care that’s needed.
Remember, if you are struggling with anything we’ve talked about in this blog, reaching out for help is a massive and brave step towards recovery. The whole team at the London Psychiatry Clinic is here to offer deeply compassionate and caring guidance. Speak with us today to discuss therapeutic options tailored to your unique experiences and needs. Not just for Maternal Mental Health Week, but as a support lifeline for as long as you need us.
