Mental Wellness & PND Support
Why is Mental Health Support important to us?
Do you know five parents? Chances are that one of them is struggling with a mental health issue and the likelihood is that most of them struggled with loneliness at some point this week. PND affects 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads. It’s incredibly common, yet many of us don’t realise.
We know, first hand, what it’s like to struggle as a new parent. That’s why ensuring every parent gets the support they need, is at the heart of all we do here at Happity. Both our co-founders, Sara and Emily, found early motherhood hard. Sara experienced a traumatic first birth and flashbacks. Emily struggled with post-natal depression and anxiety after the birth of her son. Their experiences led them to create Happity and to campaign for greater awareness, so that others don’t have to feel alone like they did.
If this sounds like you, we want you to know PND support and help is out there. And we’d like to make it as easy as possible for every parent who needs it to find it. So we’ve pulled together some resources to sign-post help for anyone struggling or those supporting friends or family.
Find Help And Support
As a first step, it is always a good idea to talk to your GP or health visitor. They can listen to how you’re feeling and the symptoms you’re experiencing and discuss treatments and support. This might include talking therapy or medication.
We are aware that mental health services are in high demand and are underfunded and that you might need to wait to start treatment. This is hard - when you need help you need it then. If you do have to wait, there are lots of great charities and support groups you can contact to get some support quickly.
If you need urgent help, please:
- Talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor
- Head to A&E or call 999
- Chat to the Samaritans: 116 123 (for free and won’t appear on your phone bill)
Useful Organisations
NHS
The NHS offers guidelines on PND including symptoms and how to get help.
PANDAS
PANDAS advises any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. They also inform family members, carers, friends and employers on how they can support someone who is suffering. They have a free helpline, 7 days a week, 11am to 10pm, 0808 1961 776 or text ‘PANDAS’ to 85258.
ASSOCIATION FOR POSTNATAL ILLNESS (APNI)
The Association For Postnatal Illness helpline is available for anyone affected by Postnatal Illness or new parents in need of advice, support or simply reassurance. Available Mon-Fri, 10am to 2pm, 0207 386 0868 or chat live at http://www.apni.org
NAYTAL
Naytal provide provide one-to-one pregnancy and postnatal counselling. They have a selection of dedicated pregnancy and postnatal services to find the right specialist support. They provide instant online therapy and counselling.
BABIES1ST
It’s not just mental health that parents can struggle with. Many feel unable to connect with their baby after the birth. Babies1st offers Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) to help parent-baby bonding. By building on positive moments, VIG helps parents become more confident, attentive and attuned, resulting in happier parents and happier babies. To find out more head to Www.Babies1st.net'
HUB OF HOPE
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. They bring local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. You can put in your postcode and be directed to support near you.
ACTION ON POSTPARTUN PSYCHOSIS (APP)
APP offers support for mothers suffering with Postpartum Psychosis, a severe mental illness that appears suddenly after childbirth. Symptoms often include hallucinations, confusion, mania, delusions and depression. It affects over 1400 women each year and can be extremely frightening and distressing. APP offer a peer support service, including online forums, social groups and creative workshops. Contact them on 020 33229900.
BIRTH TRAUMA ASSOCIATION
A charity that supports women who have suffered birth trauma. They have a team of peer supporters as well as a supportive Facebook group. Email [email protected] for more information.
HAVE YOU SEEN THAT GIRL?
This website, blog and movement is dedicated to raising awareness of Perinatal Mental illness. It provides hope and help for struggling families, and campaigns for better services and support for all.
HOUSE OF LIGHT
House of Light offer support and counselling for antenatal/postnatal depression and anxiety. Phone their helpline, Mon–Fri, 9am to 5pm, 0800 043 2031, or email [email protected]
Read more on our blog
One of our co-founders Emily has written a number of blog posts on mental health based on her experience, and we’ve had some great contributions from others too. Here are some recent articles:
