Supporting Mums during difficult times
Women may experience a range of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or postnatal psychotic disorders, during pregnancy and within the first year of giving birth. These illnesses can be mild, moderate or severe, requiring different kinds of care or treatment. Find out more.
- More than 1 in 10 women will suffer from a perinatal mental health issue
- 7 in 10 women will hide or underplay the severity of their perinatal illness
The theme of this years Maternal Mental Health Week is ‘Journeys to Recovery’. Here at Home-Start we understand how difficult it can be when you’ve just had a baby. Our trained volunteers are parents themselves and work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support tailored to each family.
This is Ruth’s story
We first met Ruth at the end of her second pregnancy. With a history of post-natal depression and anxiety, Ruth’s health care worker was concerned that she was vulnerable and thought that she would benefit from some additional support from Home-Start. Whilst Ruth’s partner is incredibly supportive, being a key worker, he often works very long hours and is out of the house for long periods of time. With no family or friends close by, Ruth felt very isolated at home all day with her toddler daughter and lockdown merely exacerbated her loneliness.
When her son Bertie was born, Ruth started to have some intrusive thoughts and started to worry about her mental wellbeing. Thinking that Ruth would benefit from the companionship of a Home-Start volunteer, she was matched with Jane.
Ruth and Jane, quickly formed a tight bond. When covid restrictions allow, Jane accompanies Ruth to the park with the children, something the whole family really look forward to. Throughout lockdown, they have spoken and texted one another regularly. Whenever Ruth feels distressed, she often turns to Jane, knowing that she will be met without judgment and a listening ear. Ruth really values their friendship and after a lifetime of being let down by friends and family, it is wonderful to see Ruth trust in someone again.
Ruth also enjoyed meeting other mums, becoming a regular in the summer at Home-Start walk and talks. During the recent lockdown she has continued to try and stay connected with new found friends, frequently joining Home-Start virtual events and activities.
With Home-Start support, Ruth’s confidence has grown and the bond and attachment between Ruth and her children is clear to see. Jane’s friendship and support has really helped to empower Ruth to work through some of her thoughts and feelings, enabling her to resolve conflict. Jane has also connected Ruth to a Postnatal Depression counsellor, which has helped her mental wellbeing enormously.
Get help
Early identification is critical so that mothers can get the support they need and children are given the best possible start in life.
If you are a parent with a child under the age of five, living in the borough of Wandsworth in need of support, please get in touch today to find out how we can help.
If you, or someone you are concerned about, are in crisis, despairing or suicidal, please contact a health professional e.g your own GP, midwife or health visitor, go to A&E at your local hospital or call emergency services on 999.
You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill)
