Sheridan Smith: Becoming Mum
NHS Support
Talking to your midwife or doctor
During pregnancy, you can talk to your midwife, GP or health visitor at any time if you're worried about your mental health. Don't be afraid to tell your midwife or health visitor how you're feeling. This can help them to identify if you are unwell or might become unwell.
For more information on mental health relating to pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/mental-health-problems-pregnant/
NHS therapy and counselling
Therapy and counselling are widely available on the NHS. You can ask for a referral through your GP or self-refer:https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/
Crisis Support
If you or someone you are concerned about are in crisis, despairing or suicidal, please contact one of the agencies below.
If you live in the UK and are looking for extra support or advice urgently, there are a number of services you can approach:
Talk to a health professional e.g your own GP, midwife or health visitor
Go to A&E at your local hospital
Call the emergency services on 999
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill)
Or email jo@samaritans.org
Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through
Web: www.samaritans.org
Maternal Mental Health Alliance:
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a charity and coalition of UK organisations with a vision to see all women across the UK get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental health during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth. The website provides information and links, including specific advice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/resources/mums-and-families/
The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent and their networks who need support with perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.
Helpline: 0808 1961 776. Open Monday – Sunday 11am-10pm
PANDAS Email Support: info@pandasfoundation.org.uk available 365 days a year. We’ll respond within 72 hours. Please get in touch if you’d like any more information regarding perinatal mental illness or are looking for support for yourself or your partner, friend or colleague.
PANDAS Foundation Facebook Page Our PANDAS Social Media team are online seven days a week, keeping you inspired, motivated and informed with current news and reports on perinatal mental health.
PANDAS Dads Facebook Page Developed to support partners and carers affected by perinatal mental illness, our PANDAS Dads volunteers are on hand to offer support and information seven days a week.
PANDAS Support Groups: Our PANDAS Support Groups offer a fantastic opportunity to meet up with other parents affected by perinatal mental illness. Our team of PANDAS Support Group Leaders are on hand to provide information about local activities and services, whilst also offering support and advice. To find your local group call or email us.
Follow us: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Netmums
Netmums offer peer support via their Maternal Mental Health Drop-In Clinic
Local Support Organisations
Netmums provide a search by area or postcode
Association of Postnatal Illness
Helpline: 10am – 2pm – 0207 386 0868
Email: info@apni.org
Live chat available online
Free NHS-accredited Baby Buddy app offering evidence-based information and self-care tools to help parents during pregnancy and early stages of parenting.
App users also have access to a confidential, text-based Crisis Messenger which provides 24/7 support for new and expectant parents who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)
Moderated Forum, click here to find out more.
One-to-one messaging available through the site, just register here
Email: app@app-network.org
Voluntary Parent Peer Support Programmes:
These are local programmes that train parents as volunteers to help other parents through pregnancy and the first months after birth:
Parents 1st
https://parents1st.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIidqH7Z6s6wIVEtd3Ch2t0wcREAAYASAAEgJNmPD_BwE
Ripplez –Derby
https://www.ripplez.co.uk/derby-community-parent-programme-staff