Discover treatment and support options for perinatal mental illness, including therapy, medication, peer support, and specialist care.
Jump to: Talking therapies | EMDR | Medication | Specialist perinatal mental health services | Mother and Baby Units | Peer support | Charities | Final reminder
Mental health challenges during or after pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but specialist support and treatment is available.
Lots of people find it helpful to try a combination of treatments for perinatal mental illness, which might include talking therapies, medication, peer support, and exercise (if physically and mentally safe and helpful for you).
No two experiences of perinatal mental illness are the same, so it’s important to find an approach that works for you. Here, we’ll explore the options that might be recommended by your healthcare team.
Talking therapy can be an effective way to work through your thoughts and feelings. It offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore how you feel, as well as helping you address any specific worries, challenges, or symptoms.
You can also find out more about counselling and talking therapy at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
CBT helps to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. For example, CBT for perinatal anxiety can help you notice how your worries affect how you feel or behave, so that you can challenge or reframe the thoughts and find new ways to cope with difficult feelings.
Perinatal counselling services can offer regular emotional support and guidance to process feelings, difficult events or situations, or any other worries.
Your GP or midwife can refer you to perinatal mental health services, including counselling, in your area.
EMDR is a type of therapy that can be helpful for some people dealing with trauma, including birth trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It uses guided eye movements to help process and reframe distressing memories, reducing the emotional impact they have on you. Many people find EMDR helpful for healing.
The Birth Trauma Association can also offer support following a difficult or upsetting birth experience.
My psychological treatment was incredibly helpful. I took part in talking therapy, had EMDR and Schema therapy.
Gill
Read more about GillFor some people, medication plays a vital role in managing mental health during pregnancy or the postnatal period.
You might be worried about taking medications like antidepressants, especially if this is the first time you have tried them. Your doctor will be able to recommend medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, if that is something you would like to do, and can talk you through what to expect. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have. It is also ok to ask for a second opinion if you feel unsure.
Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed for conditions like anxiety and depression. Taking antidepressants during pregnancy or when breastfeeding can slightly increase the risk of some physical health conditions, but your doctor will talk to you about the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
Anxiolytic medications can help you manage severe anxiety and panic.
Antipsychotic medications can be used during and after pregnancy to manage serious mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and postpartum psychosis. They help regulate mood and reduce symptoms like delusions or hallucinations.
It is important to discuss all options with a medical professional. This means you can compare the benefits and risks with the best outcome for you and your baby in mind.
Remember that it’s important not to stop or start a medication without speaking to your doctor first.
Specialist teams are dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges during or after pregnancy. You may have a multi-disciplinary team supporting you, which could include psychiatrists, psychologists, midwives, nurses and other specialists working together to provide the care you need.
Members of the team might:
If you are not already under the care of a community mental health team, your GP, midwife or health visitor may need to refer you to them for assessment.
For anyone experiencing severe perinatal mental illness, mother and baby units (MBUs) provide inpatient care that allows parents to stay with their babies while receiving intensive support.
Mother and baby units offer:
If you think a MBU could help you or a loved one, please speak to your GP, health visitor, or midwife about referral options.
Occasionally, if there is no bed available on a MBU, inpatient care can be provided on a general psychiatric ward.
It was through working with the MBU’s child psychologist that I finally started to see my son as a little person and a future where everything was going to be okay.
Kathryn
Read more about KathrynConnecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly reassuring and healing. Peer support groups offer a space to share experiences and build relationships.
Peer support can include:
Go to the Hearts and Minds Partnership website to find out what’s available in your area, or ask your midwife or health visitor for suggestions.
Several charities and organisations offer emotional support for new parents and their families. This may include confidential support through helplines, over email, online chat or even WhatsApp services.
Browse our list of organisations that offer this kind of support.
In addition to professional and community resources, having a strong personal support network can make a big difference to how you feel.
You may find it helpful to:
Find out more about perinatal mental health, treatment and support.
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Discover how fertility challenges and assisted conception can impact perinatal mental health.
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