Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of your baby. Perinatal mental health is an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions such as antenatal/postnatal Depression or Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Postpartum Psychosis.

Depression and anxiety are the most common disorders, and approximately 10-20% of women and up to 10% of fathers or partners, will experience a perinatal mental health problem.  It’s important to remember that these conditions are very treatable and it’s important to seek help early.

Without appropriate treatment, the negative impact of mental health problems during the perinatal period is enormous and can have long-lasting consequences on not only women, but their partners and children as well. 

There are Perinatal Mental Health teams being established in each of the 5 HSC Trusts, so if you have any concerns, speak to your Midwife or obstetrician during your appointment to ensure you get the support you need.

For further information, please visit the resources below;

Perinatal mental health services available across HSC Trusts and regionally can be accessed below:

Perinatal mental health services

Having a child is a big life event, and it’s natural to experience a range of emotions and reactions during and after your pregnancy. But if these emotions start to have a negative impact on your daily life, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem. If this happens to you there is help available.

You can download a leaflet here or a list of community and voluntary services is below:

Belfast Trust

South Eastern Trust

Northern Trust

Southern Trust

Western Trust

  • Women Centre Derry, Mas – 028 71267672  www.thewomenscentre.co.uk/
  • Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group, Mas – 028 71860733
  • Minding Mum, Waterside
  • Christine McBride
  • Minding Mum Project Administrator
    Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership
    Shared Future Centre
    Derry Londonderry
    BT4 72D
    T:02871342959
  • Minding Mammy Mental Health Programme, Derry Well Women – 028 71360777  www.derrywellwoman.org/
  • Support2gether, Omagh https://support2gether.com/
    028 8262217
  • Mindwise Mums Wellness Project – Enniskillen
    Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow Place, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 7HR
    Rosie Keaney 
    Wellness Development Manager
    07773 220818  
    Rosie.keaney@mindwisenv.org  

Regional

All content has been developed with invaluable input from women with lived experience and clinical experts.

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