The first Wednesday of May is World Maternal Mental Health Day.

In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs). These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, often with long-term consequences to both mother and child.

Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options available to help women recover.

Increasing awareness will drive social change with a goal toward improving the quality of care for women experiencing all types of PMADs, and reducing the stigma of maternal mental illness. We are encouraging mental health professionals, friends and relatives of new mothers to ask her how she’s really feeling and encourage her to seek help.

Buckinghamshire Mind offers perinatal support in partnership with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our Perinatal Community Support Worker is part of the NHS Perinatal Team, based in the Whiteleaf Centre in Aylesbury, and covers the whole of Buckinghamshire.

We support women who are pregnant or have given birth in the past 12 months who have mental health needs.

To access this service, please speak to your GP, Health Visitor or Midwife about a referral to the NHS Perinatal Team.