Mental health is still a taboo subject for many. It’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week this week, 3rd – 9th May. The reality is this affects both women and men. During pregnancy, and after, is supposed to be the happiest time of your life but the reality for one in ten is so very different.
Cold tea
Having a baby is a complete life changer in so many ways you don’t realise until holding that baby in your arms. Whilst the movies make it seem like the ideal perfect life the reality can be petrifying. Being responsible for a tiny human who doesn’t act as the books say, making you doubt yourself, the broken night’s sleep, the utter exhaustion and hormonal imbalance as well as the panic at every new noise and checking the baby is okay. It’s a lot to cope with on top of recovering from being pregnant and the trauma of labour and giving birth. Your life is no longer your own and drinking cold tea is a reality. What you’d give to be able to go to the toilet alone and have a break for ten minutes. Doing something for yourself is now having a shower.
‘It takes a village to raise a child’
Visitors come and go, paternity leave ends and minutes can feel like hours. You may be physically alone but you are not alone -life is a team game. Asking for help can seem huge but together we are stronger. As the proverb goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Tell a friend, relative, health visitor or GP how you are feeling. Its not unusual. Poor mental health affects all of us at some point in our lives.
For support
Mind infoline can be reached on 0300 123 3393
Samaritans can be called on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill) or email Jo at Samaritans
Twinline are on 0800 138 0509 (Monday to Friday 10 to 1pm and 7pm to 10pm) or email Twinline
Petals The Baby Loss Counselling Charity on 0300 688 0068 or email Petals Charity
Other organisations offering support, advice and guidance on a range of topics can be found on our Rural Coffee Caravan Virtual Leaflet Rack page.
