Extra online support as figures show 1 in 4 new mums living with depression
While coronavirus has killed dozens of elderly islanders, mental illness remains one of the biggest killers of women during pregnancy and after birth if left untreated.
Maternal mental health awareness week begins today (4 May) and according to a children's centre in Guernsey up to one in four mothers experience anxiety or depression.
The theme this year is 'supporting mums during difficult times.'
The children's centre, Bright Beginnings in Guernsey, runs a service called Beyond Blue to help women suffering with mental health problems in pregnancy and following childbirth.
They are particularly concerned about the emotional well-being of mothers during lockdown.
The centre is therefore offering online meet-ups for new mums via Zoom, no matter which island they live in.
It has also reached out to former users of its service.
Meanwhile Jersey's Mental Health Service has had to change the way it works to adhere to social distancing.
But staff want to reassure people they are still available to help according to the urgency and seriousness of their need.
They have split their service into three parts. There are telephone consultations and online therapy for mild to moderate cases, home visits to see those who are more at risk and a so-called liaison service which is manned 24/7 to help women experiencing a mental health crisis.
Women who need to access the service are urged to contact their GP in the first instance.
Family Nursing and Home Care in Jersey, who run the health visitor service, say they are still operating albeit with some changes.
The charity wants to remind new mothers they can still arrange a virtual meeting with their health visitor to discuss their emotional well-being or if they really need to, they can be seen in the home.
In the meantime, here are Bright Beginnings' top tips for new mums to boost their well-being.
Take time for yourself
Having a baby is full on. Try to find small moments for yourself, whether it's sitting in a quiet spot in your garden, taking a bath, or watching a funny video. If it feels good, do it.
Talk
Becoming a mum is overwhelming but despite lockdown there are still plenty of places to access support over the phone or on video chat. There's a list of helplines below.
Be kind to yourself
Becoming a mother is a huge transition. Cut yourself some slack and don't try to be supermum. Now is not the time to be worrying about a messy house or chores. Sleep when your baby sleeps and use your downtime to rest and nourish yourself.
Take gentle exercise
A gentle stroll in the outdoors, or a stretch can do the world of good. Vitamin D from sunlight is a natural mood booster and exercise will increase your feel good hormones endorphins.
Here is a list of help and support lines you can contact across the Channel Islands:
Bright Beginnings Children's Centre, Beyond Blue programme01481 244919info@brightbeginnings.gg
Family Nursing and Home Care Health Visitors01534 443674 (Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm)enquiries@fnhc.org.je
Mind Jersey0800 735 9404
Listening Lounge01534 866793
Jersey Recovery College01534 505977
Samaritans01534 116123
Jersey's Mental Health Service 'Talking Therapies' can be accessed through GP referral.
WATCH Jess Dunsdon's report here...