A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Barnsley to help expectant parents spot the signs of deteriorating perinatal mental health - after it was revealed more than a quarter of new mums experience the illness.
Research shows that 27 per cent of new and expectant mums and up to 20 per cent of dads will experience a perinatal mental illness.
The council say that if this is left untreated, the issues can have ‘significant’ and ‘long-lasting’ effects on families and their children.
The new council campaign highlights the most common signs of perinatal mental health and how talking to family and friends, or reaching out to local support services, can help expectant parents and parents of children up to two years of age enjoy the special first stages of their children’s lives.
Many of the signs and symptoms include feeling down, depressed or hopeless, finding it hard to sleep, worrying uncontrollably, feeling guilt, worry for you own or your baby’s health, argumentative or irritable, struggling to connect with your bump or baby, or feelings of wanting to harm yourself or others.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “In Barnsley we want expectant parents, new mums and dads and their babies to have the best possible chance of having healthier, happier lives.
“I’m delighted to see our new perinatal mental health campaign which will highlight important signs and symptoms and help encourage people who are struggling reach out for help.
“I want to thank our health professionals and everyone involved in this campaign for helping raise awareness and continuing to help break down barriers attached to perinatal mental health.
“You’re helping people reach out for help across Barnsley.”
Many pregnant women, new mums, dads or co-parents do not reach out for help due to the stigma attached.
A fear of children being taken away by social services, the expectations on dads to be ‘the strong parent’ and parents not recognising they are experiencing perinatal mental health issues are all common barriers when it comes to addressing perinatal mental health issues.
The campaign aims to break down these barriers and encourage more men and women to seek perinatal mental health support through local support services.
The council have been working with local health and care professionals to signpost parents experiencing these issues to the correct support services.
The video and supporting campaign material will be displayed in Barnsley Hospital, as well as health settings around the community.
Alicia Sansome, head of public health at Barnsley Council, said: “The health and wellbeing of parents to help give newborn babies the best possible start in life is our priority in Barnsley.
“We want to see parents and their young babies bond and experience the joy of becoming new parents during the critical first 1,001 days of a child’s life.
“We’re really excited to launch our perinatal mental health signs and symptoms campaign in Barnsley.
“It’s a testament to the dedication of our professionals in wanting to help support people in our local communities and we hope this encourages expectant and new parents to reach out sooner for support if they are experiencing symptoms of perinatal mental health.”
n If you are experiencing symptoms of perinatal mental health or you know of someone who is, you are not alone and there is help and support available. Talk to your family or friends, your health visitor, your GP, midwife, or local Family Hub. Call 999 or 111 in emergencies.
