Publish date: 28 April 2023
West London NHS Trust’s perinatal service are targeting women aged 18 to 44 in Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, and Ealing with a ‘You’re not alone’ social media campaign that launches on World Maternal Mental Health Day (Wednesday 3 May 2023). The campaign will raise awareness of the perinatal service and aim to increase referral rates for mental health support services for women during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy, and eighteen months after birth.
Perinatal mental health conditions affect women and girls globally, with as many as one in five birthing parents experiencing mental health problems during this time (i).
West London NHS Trust’s perinatal service is made up of a range of healthcare workers who are experienced in mental health, offering support and treatments to women who are having mental health problems when they are pregnant, or after they have had their baby. The service aims to see 10 percent of the birth population and last year saw 9.2 percent. However, it is widely acknowledged that perinatal mental illness is under-reported, that not all groups of women access services equally, and women often access support at a late stage.
Many pregnant women and new mums do not seek help as they believe there is a stigma or shame attached, especially at a time when they are expected to be thrilled with the prospect of a new baby. Lack of knowledge about the existence of services among parents and professionals, a fear of the baby being taken away, language/cultural barriers can also play a part. However, the campaign aims to break down these barriers and encourage more women to see perinatal mental health support through the service.
Honey Attridge, an Expert by Experience (EBE) and service user:
“There is a perception around motherhood and women are meant to conform to it despite how you may be feeling. No one prepares you for the feelings you may experience, the loneliness and all too often not feeling you can speak up. It highlights the importance of perinatal mental health quite often being overlooked and the difference awareness and a robust support system can make”.
“Luckily I received help from the Perinatal mental health team, and I am so incredibly grateful.”
Dr Sarah Taha, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist Hammersmith & Fulham Perinatal Mental Health Team said:
“We want people to know that specialist mental health support is available to them during pregnancy and after they have a baby. They can access this support by talking to a health professional or referring themselves to our service.”
“Good perinatal mental health is crucial in ensuring the health and wellbeing of both the birthing parent and the baby. There are many complex factors that influence our mental health. One size does not fit all, and you are the expert on you – if you don’t feel ‘right,’ tell someone”.
“We know it’s hard but struggling in silence is harder – there are plenty of treatments and therapies that can help. You're not alone.”
You can find out more about the service here.
(i). https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about/perinatal-mental-health/