Help and support for postnatal depression
NHS
Things you can do to help with postnatal depression
Coping with postnatal depression while looking after a baby can be very hard work. But there are things you can do to support your mental health.
Do
try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor – you could also contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 if you need someone to talk to
ask for help with practical things like shopping, chores and childcare
try to get regular exercise, even if it's just a short daily walk
try going to a local support group or parent and baby group
try to get as much sleep and rest as you can
make time to do things you enjoy, however small
Help and support for postnatal depression
If you have postnatal depression, you can get support from your GP, health visitor or midwife. They'll also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also local and national charities that can offer information and support.
Mind
Mind provides information about postnatal depression, including sources of support and how to help someone else.
PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support)
PANDAS offer support to families affected by postnatal depression, including online and in-person support groups, a text line and a callback service.
Where to get urgent help for mental health
If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.
It's important to know that support services are available to you, whatever you’re going through.
Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you need urgent help for your mental health
Get help from 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.
111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to self-refer to certain services.
Other ways to get help with your mental health
Free listening services
These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans
if you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline – the number will not appear on your phone bill
These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.
Coping during a crisis
The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Call: 999
How a mental health emergency is treated in A&E
If you go to A&E, the staff should treat you with respect and look after any immediate physical and mental health needs.
They should also refer you to a liaison psychiatry service or local crisis resolution and home treatment team (CRHT).
Find out about:
The team in charge of your care will assess you and decide on the best course of care.
This usually involves supporting you with your mental health at home. They may also refer you to other services to support your needs.
Making a safety plan
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it:
the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process
the mental health charity Mind also provides information on planning for a mental health crisis
National Health Service. (2023, April 26). Where to get urgent help for mental health. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
Comentarios