It’s ok to say you’re not ok. If you’re worried about your physical or mental health, speak to your midwife, health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.
This page contains some links for the U.K. which may be useful:
If you’re worried about Coronavirus> https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
If you’re struggling with your mental health, and need someone to talk to, remember Samaritans: are available 24/7 on 116 123 – http://Samaritans.org
Maternity Action is a UK charity committed to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, partners and young children. www.maternityaction.org.uk
Relationship counselling service www.relate.org.uk
Refuge – Information about Pregnancy and Domestic Abuse http://www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/what-is-domestic-violence/domestic-violence-and-pregnancy
Talk Mum – A community for Mums and Mums to Be
Powher provide an advocacy service particularly around mental health and work. https://www.pohwer.net/
Elaine Hanzak is a speaker and author of two books around post-natal depression.
Raising awareness of post-natal depression The Joanne (Joe) Bingley Memorial Foundation
Tommy’s Premature Baby Charity Tommy’s
Frequently Asked Questions: https://pregnancymentalhealth.net/frequently-asked-questions/
NHS Choices – pregnancy and mental health: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/mental-health-problems-pregnant.aspx
NHS Choices – post-natal depression: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnataldepression/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Help for those who recognise the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. Contains a perinatal OCD information leaflet. http://www.ocdaction.org.uk
“Finding the words to ask for help” video by Mind:
Mind information leaflet: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/
There are also services like:
Sands support – for anyone affected by the death of a baby http://www.sands.org.uk/
Miscarriage Association: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/
If you’re worried about a young person:
Papyrus: (preventing suicide in young people) 0800 068 41 41 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice
Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/
For men:
Calm Zone (specifically for men): https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/
Other sources of help:
Combat Stress (UK Veterans Mental Health Charity): http://combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619
Mind information leaflets on different types of mental health condition: http://mind.org.uk
Heads Together’s Tips for Talking: http://headstogether.org.uk/tipsfortalking
Responding with empathy: https://helpingyousparkle.com/2017/10/25/making-space-to-talk-responding-with-empathy-when-someones-struggling/
This is not an exhaustive list. Remember, always speak to your doctor or midwife, if you have concerns about your mental or physical health. Links to sites or services doesn’t mean we endorse their content, just that the information may be of interest.
Pregnancy Mental Health 