Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 of May in 2025 and is a dedicated campaign by the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership, that focuses on mental health before, during, and after pregnancy.
While many people have heard of postnatal depression (PND), perinatal mental illnesses extend beyond this and include conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
With 1 in 5 women developing a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, raising awareness and encouraging open discussions is crucial to ensuring people get the help they need.
Table of contents
- What is the impact of maternal mental health issues?
- When to seek help for maternal mental health
- Taking care of your mental wellbeing
- Mental health concerns in non-birthing parents
- Interested in mental health support?
- Related articles
What is the impact of maternal mental health issues?
The rate of maternal death in the UK has risen by 15% in the last decade, with suicide being the leading cause of direct maternal death between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum. Addressing maternal mental health, reducing stigma, and increasing support for those struggling can make a life-changing difference.
Some other key findings are:
- 70% of birthing parents hide or underplay maternal mental health difficulties.
- 32% of them did not realise their healthcare contacts could support with mental health.
- 28% of birthing parents experiencing perinatal mental illness feel unable to seek treatment due to perceived stigma.
- 19% were not asked if they were experiencing any mental health problems.
- 23% didn’t want to waste their clinician’s time with mental health concerns.
When to seek help for maternal mental health
If you're worried about your own mental wellbeing or that of someone you know, consider the following questions:
- Do you/they have new feelings and thoughts that are disturbing or anxiety-inducing?
- Are you/they experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm?
- Do you/they feel like a bad parent, unable to cope, or disconnected from the baby?
- Do you/they feel like things are getting worse?
If the answer to any of these is ‘yes,’ it may be time to seek support.
Taking care of your mental wellbeing
Maternal mental health is just as important as physical health. Here are some tips to help maintain emotional and mental wellbeing before and after the arrival of a baby:
- Create a routine: A flexible routine can provide a sense of stability. Incorporate physical, social, and mental activities to create balance in your daily life.
- Prioritise mind and body: Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions, and practice self-compassion. Looking after your physical health—staying active, eating well, and prioritising sleep—can also help improve mental wellbeing.
- Trust reliable information: Social media can be overwhelming, and misinformation can increase anxiety. Limit your exposure to unverified sources and seek information from trusted professionals.
- Ask for help: Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. Whether it’s a partner, friend, family member, or healthcare professional, don’t hesitate to share how you’re feeling and seek the help you need.
Mental health concerns in non-birthing parents
While the birthing parent is often the focus when speaking about perinatal mental health issues, non-birthing parents are also at increased risk for mental illness during the perinatal period. This is an issue both for fathers and non-birthing mothers, with additional stressors impacting those in non-heteronormative relationships.
It’s important that all parents seek support with mental health concerns, whether birthing or non-birthing, especially as both can contribute to the overall wellbeing of the family and the child’s development.
Interested in mental health support?
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Contact us now at 0203 326 9160.
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