Pregnancy and the first year of parenthood (known as the perinatal period) are usually pictured as happy moments, but that social pressure can make it hard to admit when things feel overwhelming. Sadly, 70% of women feel the need to hide or downplay their mental health struggles during this time. In reality, around 1 in 4 women experience perinatal mental health problems. It’s a vulnerable time for mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis.
Tara*, a new mother, had a variety of mental health issues following the birth of her daughter, Abigail. Her anxiety kept her housebound and left her feeling isolated. Seeing that Tara was struggling to cope, her Health Visitor referred her to Home-Start for help.
“I started with my volunteer after being referred by my Health Visitor because I was struggling. I wasn’t bonding with my new baby girl and I also found out I was suffering from depression and anxiety. She came and helped me with anything I needed doing like having a wash, tidying up at home, getting organised. Helping to bond with the kids and gain confidence as a parent and with going out as I couldn’t with my anxiety. She helped me to eventually leave my house to go to a play group with my children which I know they loved. Her support has been really helpful for both me and my husband. If I didn’t have her I wouldn’t have been able to cope a lot better with the kids on my own and leave home.”
With the help and support of volunteer Suzanne, Tara’s mental health began to improve. For the first time in a while, Tara felt positive and could see hope for the future.
“I felt like I learned a lot from her about how to be a mum and that no one’s perfect and my best is good enough. That it’s ok to struggle and breakdown but still find the strength to carry on. I am still struggling but I’m aware that there’s hope and I feel more able so I shouldn’t quit. Since she’s left I’m a lot more aware of things so I don’t panic as much. I can go out.”
Having a baby is a life-changing experience. Often, we become parents with great expectations of what it will be like, but the reality, for one reason or another, is different. Postnatal depression and anxiety are very common.
PND is a recognised medical condition and not a sign of weakness or failure as a parent. There is support available, including our free and confidential home-visiting service for families living in Central Bedfordshire.