Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day!

#maternalMHmatters

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day, a campaign led by a ‘multidisciplinary group of international maternal mental health activists, academics, clinicians and people with lived experience‘, with the aim of improving awareness of maternal mental health problems so that more mummies can access treatment and suffer in silence less.

The first Wednesday of May has been World Maternal Mental Health Day since the campaign began in 2016.

This is something pretty close to my heart, as I struggled with post-natal depression and anxiety after the birth of my son Max, and whilst I consider myself ‘almost’ back to normal, I still have the odd bad day. Whilst I have received great support, I’ve also experienced some not-so-great encounters from people who don’t realise just how significant maternal health issues are on day-to-day living – it can be hard to even function at times when you’re at rock bottom.

The stigma is definitely being broken down bit by bit, but there is still room for improvement, which is why awareness days like these are so valuable.

What are the aims of the campaign?

‘Women, as well as their family and friends, need to know the signs of maternal mental ill-health and that they are not alone! They can find help and support for perinatal mental health problems.’

The campaign also seeks to reinforce that…

Maternal mental health matters. #maternalMHmatters
Women, their family members and their friends need to know the signs of maternal mental illness and that they are not alone!
There is support out there for perinatal mental health problems.

How to get involved…

Use the hashtag #maternalMHmatters on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Add the Maternal Mental Health Day Facebook page and share your events, stories, facts or research
Add the Twibbon to your Facebook or Twitter profile picture – you can find it here!
Tell your story to help raise awareness of maternal mental health issues. You can read lots of blogs about Post Natal Depression on our site here!

And remember…

You are not alone! We have lots of parents who are Mental Health Warriors in our private Bump, Baby & You Facebook group – you can join here for heartfelt support and love.

If you’re struggling with your mental health right now, there is a list of fantastic mental health helplines on the NHS website here.

Tell us your stories of perinatal and postnatal mental health issues in the comments to show other struggling mummies that they’re not alone.