One in five mums experience perinatal mental health difficulties, covering a wide range of conditions including depression or anxiety. A similar number of men can also struggle with anxiousness before and after birth.
Now parents-to-be or new parents, co-parents or carers can Text KENT to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160, for free, when things don’t feel quite right.
For more information visit kent.gov.uk/familyhub/mentalhealthhelpline.
Becoming a parent or the carer of a young baby is a big moment in anyone's life and it's natural to experience a range of emotions. But if things don't feel right, it's time to reach out.
KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Dan Watkins, said: “The very early years are crucial for a child’s development but this can be a challenging period for parents – and we know that not every family has wide support networks to help them through.
“In Kent it is estimated around 6,660 parents and carers may need mild-to-moderate perinatal mental health support during a year. We hope our helpline and text service gives mums and dads a place to go whenever they need it.”
“...more than two-thirds of new mothers don’t talk about how they are feeling”
Kent County Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: “We know that more than two-thirds of new mothers don’t talk about how they are feeling, or experiencing life with a baby. We also know that dads are unsure of where to get support.
“Please know you are not alone and that you can reach out to one of our trained advisers about perinatal mental health difficulties.”
- For more information about pregnancy and early years care visit kent.gov.uk/familyhub.
- Find more about urgent mental health help at NHS Kent and Medway.
