Maternal Mental Health

Why Maternal Mental health matters?

Motherhood can often be pictured as a joyful and beautiful journey – however for some, motherhood can be a difficult and life changing journey which impacts their mental and physical wellbeing.  

What is Maternal Mental health?

Maternal Mental health refers to mental health problems which can occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. Approximately, 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health problem. Around 70% of women can hide or underplay maternal mental health difficulties. Maternal Mental health is also one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first postnatal year.  Therefore, considering the maternal mental health statistics it’s vital that we can spot the signs of someone struggling so that we can offer the support needed.

 

Causes of Maternal Mental health problems

  • A previous history of Mental health problems
  • Neurodiversity
  • Lack of support
  • Domestic abuse
  • Financial concerns
  • Biological causes
  • Traumatic experiences including birth trauma and baby loss

 

Recognising the symptoms of Maternal Mental health struggles

 

If you recognise any of symptoms, please seek support from our Wellbeing services at University. If you also recognise someone close to you experiencing these symptoms encourage them to seek support.

 

You deserve support: Tips for your mental health

  • Create a routine – Having a flexible routine that offers a bit of structure and reassurance. This could involve writing a daily schedule of a mix of activities you could do each day to support your wellbeing as a new mum.
  • Be kind to yourself – Having a friend or family member to speak too when your experiencing negative thoughts is important. This is because we can particularly be quite harsh on ourselves than we are with our friends.
  • Try do some physical exercise – Try to do some exercise during or after you’ve recovered from birth. Physical exercise helps to reduce mental health difficulties and promotes wellbeing.
  • It’s OK to ask for help and support- There are times in our lives when we all need help and support of other people. If you need help with your mental health, try not to be worried or afraid about asking for support.

 

  • Mind charity offers guidance and support about what services or organisations you can access to support you if your experiencing perinatal mental health problems.
  • NHS also provides guidance on things you can do to support your wellbeing and therapy services available. 
  • Maternal mental health alliance also offers information about mental health problems and support regarding this.  

If you would like to talk to the student welfare and support team about anything that you have just read, or would like some extra support, please reach out.