Research by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has shown that a high proportion of new parents suffer from depression or other mental health issues during pregnancy or after the birth of their first child.
In a poll of 2,000 new mothers and fathers:
- 41% experienced anxiety, depression or another mental health issue53% of new mothers
- 27% of new fathers
- 46% considered seeking help from a health professional
- 54% did not seek help, of which
- 26% felt afraid
- 11% were not aware that support is available
- The majority relied on partners/relatives for help
Carmel Bagness, professional lead for midwifery and women’s health at the RCN, said:
“Too many parents worry that going through depression or anxiety means they will be deemed unfit parents, and this can be a hugely damaging – and incorrect – assumption which is putting lives at risk and preventing people getting the support they deserve.
“Too many women and men are suffering in silence because of outdated stigmas. Too often, attitudes towards mental health are not fit for the 21st century.”
Clare Dolman, acting vice chair of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, added:
“As a mother who experienced mental illness after the birth of my daughter, I am very aware of how frightening and isolating an experience it can be – and how much it can affect fathers too.
“I have met many women in a similar situation and the vast majority of them recover very well and are excellent parents, but they need the understanding and support of all those around them, not just family and friends but health professionals too.”
Professional Help
Reaching out for professional help is the first step to tackling issues such as anxiety or post-natal depression.
Treatment doesn’t have to mean anti-depressants, there are alternative treatments available.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) may be a suitable treatment for depression during and after pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there are no drugs used during the treatment.
SMART TMS CLINICS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technological breakthrough in the treatment of depression. The treatment is now available in London, based at The Smart Clinics Brompton Cross (South Kensington).
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