The problem of poor perinatal mental health in the UK is worsening, partly due to the government underspending on essential services that could improve their mental wellbeing.
According to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), 66 per cent of the UK has forecast underspending on perinatal mental health services in 2022/23.
The data, which has been released as part of Maternal Mental Health Week, revealed more than half (58 per cent) of respondents believe this is due to workforce-related issues, such as recruitment problems.
Furthermore, teams have not been given clear instructions on how the funding should be allocated or if there will be more in the future. This has made recruitment difficult, as they do not know whether there will be enough money to pay for their salaries the following year.
Consequently, the group revealed: “Desperately needed roles remain vacant, all of which limits the support available to families and increases the pressure on an already-stretched workforce.”
According to the organisation, at least one in five women have poor mental health during pregnancy or within the first few years after giving birth. They may suffer from anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, or postpartum psychosis.
The problem is so bad that suicide remains the most common cause of death among mums in the first year following their baby being born, and mental health-related deaths either during pregnancy or up to the first six weeks after birth are on the rise.
MMHA’s latest report revealed there are growing disparities between services in different areas of the country, resulting in some locations being under-resourced and unable to offer parents the support they need.
Between January and December 2021, the NHS fell short of its 57,000 target of new mothers accessing PMH services. In reality, just over 40,000 were in contact with PMH professionals.
This left 16,000 new mothers and pregnant women without the care and support they needed.
MMHA president, consultant perinatal psychiatrist Dr Alain Gregoire, noted that specialist care for maternal mental health is hugely important.
“National and local decision-makers must ensure that allocated resources reach clinical services to ensure that mothers, babies, and families can access the care they need,” he stated.
It is not just women who suffer mental health challenges after their baby is born, as paternal wellbeing can decline as well.
While nearly half (42 per cent) of services are now offering partners assessment for their mental health, many areas are not providing support at all.
Mental health charity Mind acknowledges that fathers can also struggle with their emotions before and after their baby is born, especially if they do not have a good support network in place; are going through a stressful life event; have poor living conditions; or experienced abuse in childhood.
Of course, simply dealing with the extra responsibility of a baby, financial pressures, the change in family dynamic, sleep deprivation, and having to look after other children as well could severely impact a dad’s mental health.
Whether you’re a new or experienced dad or mum, poor perinatal mental health can affect anyone. So, if you or your partner feel like you’re suffering, get the support you need from private counsellors in west London, particularly if there is a lack of services in your area.