The art of just ‘getting on with it’ is a motto we all know too well, particularly new mothers. The quality of post-natal mental health is still such a taboo topic of conversation with limited professional medical support available to support. Which unfortunately makes it very common for mothers will often suffer in silence, despite mentally not feeling up it, on a day-to-day basis. We spoke to Rosie Drage, founder of Postnatal Minds and mental health nurse to dig a little deeper into the importance of recognising when support is needed and how to seek help the right help for you.
· Why do you think there is still such a stigma despite so much positive work being done around mental health?
“Society tends to portray new motherhood as a time of pure joy- a “love bubble” filled with baby bliss. This idealised image leaves little room for the complex, often overwhelming emotions many mothers actually experience, such as anxiety, sadness, loneliness or guilt”.
· Do you think social and cultural pressures contributes to the issue?
“The pressure to be the “perfect mum” is immense and it often leads mothers to believe that experiencing anything less than joy somehow makes them a bad parent. These unrealistic expectations discourage open conversations and make it harder for mothers to admit when they’re struggling”.
· Why do you think mothers aren’t seeking the help they need?
“Additionally, there’s a generational mindset of “just getting on with it,” where emotional distress is minimised or ignored. Unlike physical health issues, mental health concerns (especially postnatal ones) are still too often brushed aside instead of being addressed with the same urgency and care. This silence perpetuates the stigma, leaving many women to suffer alone when support is not only available but entirely valid. Going to your GP or speaking to a healthcare professional can feel like a huge step and it can increase levels of isolation and lack of networking with other parents (who could be feeling similarly). This is one of the reasons Postnatal Minds exists and offers both in-person and online individual group sessions- to increase parent networking and open a safe and comfortable space to talk about realities of feelings and mental health in the postnatal period”.
· How do you recognise that you need postnatal mental health support? What are the signs, and what can happen if help is not sought or the need for it identified?
“Recognising that you need postnatal mental health support can be really challenging, especially when you’re in a world of sleepless nights, feeding regimes and never-ending nappy changes. Symptoms that a woman can feel could easily be dismissed as “just tiredness” or part of what everyone experiences in those newborn weeks but there are key signs for you and your loved ones to be aware of.
Some common signs can include:
· A constant low mood or sadness that extends beyond two weeks
· Feeling extremely anxious or worried about your baby’s health
· Feeling a lack of bond or connection with your baby or your partner
· Isolating yourself from friends or things that you normally did in life and not enjoying anything anymore
· Feeling intense guilt or failure
· Increased irritability or anger which doesn’t feel controllable
· Intrusive thoughts about not being alive or harming yourself or baby
· Poor sleep (when you are able to sleep) or unable to get out of bed from feeling too exhausted
Recognising any of these symptoms and seeking help sooner is really key as it enables early intervention and can prevent symptoms from developing into long term mental health conditions like postpartum depression or psychosis which can have a detrimental impact on yours and your family’s whole life. Seeking help can not only improve your mental health but allow your relationships and overall wellbeing to improve.
Seeking support is a huge positive step and should not feel like a weakness or defeat. It’s key to remember that the happiest you can be the happiest your baby will be”.
Rosie’s background
Rosie Drage, the founder of Postnatal Minds, is a dedicated health and wellbeing coach, with over 16 years’ experience as a mental health nurse in the NHS, specialising in supporting new parents. Rosie’s expertise in providing tailored support to new mothers has derived from her broad experience and knowledge of all Mental Health illnesses and the impact that these can have on a person’s day to day lives. And her first-hand experience as a mother of two, has equipped her to be able to blend compassion and empathy with her outstanding medical knowledge from being on the job. Rosie’s services and focuses include Reflective sessions, mental health, coaching sessions, CBT, health & wellbeing and development days. Further information on Rosie’s services can be found at Home | Postnatal Minds.
http://www.postnatalminds.co.uk
