Hear her voice this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (5–11 May) shines a spotlight on the impact of parenthood on mental health. This year’s theme, “Your Voice, Your Strength,” encourages mothers to speak openly about their feelings as a vital step toward seeking and receiving support.
Maternal mental health refers to a mother’s emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and after childbirth. While becoming a parent can be a joyful experience, it also brings significant changes that can lead to mental health challenges.
Approximately 1 in 5 women experience mental health difficulties during this period, ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions such as postpartum psychosis. Despite how common these issues are, many mothers feel isolated or fear being judged. Without appropriate support, these challenges can impact mother-baby bonding and broader family dynamics.
Here are some of the most common conditions:
- Postnatal Depression (PND): More than "baby blues" this can make you feel persistently sad, hopeless, or unable to enjoy life.
- Perinatal Anxiety: Worrying all the time, feeling tense, panicky, or unable to relax.
- Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but serious condition involving hallucinations, confusion, or extreme mood swings.
- Birth Trauma and PTSD: After a difficult or frightening birth experience, some women may relive the trauma or feel constantly on edge.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Experiencing upsetting thoughts or needing to perform repetitive actions to ease anxiety.
What signs should I look out for?
It’s important to know the signs—not just for yourself, but for those you love. Symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Feeling tearful or sad most days
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Trouble bonding with your baby
- Racing thoughts or excessive worrying
- Problems sleeping, even when the baby sleeps
- Feeling numb, irritable, or on edge
- Thoughts of self-harm or that your baby might be better off without you
If these feelings last more than two weeks or are getting worse, it’s time to speak up.
Why speaking up matters?
Many mums feel pressure to "put on a brave face" or fear being judged. But your mental health matters just as much as your physical health.
Early support means better outcomes—for you, your baby and your entire family.
Our Health Visitors are qualified nurse or midwife who specialises in the health and wellbeing of children under five and their families. They’re here to listen without judgment and support you during this life-changing time.
They can:
- Offer a listening ear and reassurance
- Help you understand your feelings
- Signpost you to local support
- Check in on your baby’s development and your emotional wellbeing
Don’t wait for things to get worse. You can talk to them at any point, even between scheduled visits! Every time a mum speaks out about her mental health, she breaks down the stigma. Every story shared helps another mother feel less alone. You have the right to be heard, supported, and cared for.
If you're looking for support, our specialist health visitors in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health are here to lend a supportive shoulder. Visit CLCH Health Visiting team and contact the relevant Single Point of Access team in your borough (except Barnet) who will be able to assist.
Below is a selection of resources offering insight into maternal health conditions, along with support and guidance.
Together, we can make a lasting difference by ensuring that no mother or parent is left to struggle alone.
