Becoming a mum, dad, carer or guardian of a young baby is big moment in anyone's life. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in the early days.
But if these feelings last longer than a couple of weeks, and have a big impact on your daily life, they may be affecting your mental health.
Any new or expecting parent, partner or carer can experience perinatal mental health problems.
In fact, one in five women experience perinatal mental health issues during, or soon after, pregnancy and through a baby’s first two years.
Men can also struggle with anxiousness at these times.
Sometimes these feelings can express themselves physically – like tummy ache, dizziness, nausea or headaches – and impact the bond with baby.
To talk things through and, if needed, be directed to further support, call 0800 107 0160 or text SHOUT to 85258, for free, anytime.
“Some 70% of new mums underplay how they are feeling and 20% of men experience anxiety before or after birth.”
Kent County Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “If you’re a new or expecting parent and experiencing mental health problems during the pregnancy, or with parenting, you are not alone. Some 70% of new mums underplay how they are feeling and 20% of men experience anxiety before or after birth.
“What’s important to remember is our service is here to help. It’s free and on hand to assist with a range of issues such as feeling stressed, or isolated, or suffering low self-esteem – so please talk to us.”
KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Dan Watkins, said: “Having a baby can be challenging and not everyone has wide support networks to help them navigate through the experience. We hope our helpline and text service gives expecting and new mums and dads a place to go whenever they need it.”
- Read about our perinatal mental health helpline and text service at kent.gov.uk/mentalhealthhelpline.
- For further information about pregnancy and early years care visit kent.gov.uk/familyhub.
