As we kick off Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at what perinatal mental health means, how common it is, and, most importantly, how we can all support those who may be struggling.
So grab a brew, get comfy, and let’s explore perinatal mental health together. By understanding more, we can feel empowered to have the conversations that matter.
What Do We Mean by ‘Perinatal Mental Health’?
Perinatal mental health (PMH) refers to mental health challenges that occur during pregnancy or within the first year after the birth of a child. As the NHS explains, PMH conditions can significantly impact the well-being of mothers and birthing people during this critical time.
“Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child.” — NHS England
How common are perinatal mental health challenges?
The latest data indicates that 1 in 4 women and birthing people experience mental health challenges during or after pregnancy- an increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 5. This highlights just how widespread perinatal mental health issues are and the growing need for awareness, understanding, and support.
“As many as 1 in 4 women and birthing people experience mental health problems during or after pregnancy.” — Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)
Isn’t it just Postnatal Depression?
While postnatal depression (PND) is widely recognised, it is important to note that mental health issues can begin during pregnancy, not just after birth.
Conditions such as: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) all fall under the umbrella of perinatal mental health and can affect individuals during pregnancy and after childbirth. These conditions can range from mild to severe, and support is available at every level.
Among these, perinatal psychosis is the most serious and is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
“I haven’t had a history of mental illness, does that mean I won’t face any perinatal mental health challenges?”
“Perinatal mental health problems can affect anyone. They may result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. However, sometimes there is no trigger.” — Maternal Mental Health Alliance
“I’m struggling, who can I talk to?”
Opening up about how you feel can be difficult, if you’re struggling, try to talk to someone you trust- whether it’s a friend, family member, or a health professional. Most people will want to help.
If you’re looking for additional support, speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor to understand what services are available to you. At Smile Group, we do not require a referral to access our groups, so you can just turn up!
“How can I support a loved one who is struggling?”
It can be difficult to know how best to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health. Mostly importantly, we need to remember that they are not looking for you to ‘fix’ them, and sometimes they just need to feel heard and supported.
- Listen without judgment: Provide a safe space for them to talk openly and feel heard. Opening up can be really difficult, so its important to be patient.
- Offer practical support: Sometimes simple acts like helping with housework, cooking, or joining them for a walk can really help.
- Normalise seeking support: Help them make the first step in reaching out to a professional, or offer to accompany them to an appointment or group (such as Smile Group).
- Check in regularly: Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there can make all the difference.
- Watch for warning signs: Be aware of more serious symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, and encourage immediate professional support if needed.
Supporting someone through perinatal mental illness can be challenging, but your care and understanding can make a huge difference.
How Smile Group Can Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal mental health, we are here to provide the support you need. We offer a range of services, including:
- Support Groups
- Talk Therapy
- 1:1 Home Visits
- Family Sessions
We’re here to remind you that you are not alone.
Images- Unsplash
