Mental health and wellbeing – How can I help myself?
If you feel like you want to harm yourself or are having thoughts of suicide, it’s important to tell someone straight away. If you're in crisis and need urgent help, please visit our page on getting support in a mental health crisis.
We understand that you may be worried about the pregnancy or having a baby. Some of the common things include:
- Changes that bound to happen in your life of becoming a parent.
- Stopping work.
- Changes in your relationships.
- Whether you’ll be a good parent.
- Fear that there will be complications with pregnancy or with your baby.
- Fear of childbirth.
- Lack of support around you and being alone.
Mental health difficulties can happen to anyone at any time. You won’t be judged for how you feel. Your pregnancy care team, including your GP, midwife and health visitor are there to help you stay well.
Self-help tips to support you becoming a new parent
Becoming a new parent can be an overwhelming experience. Be mindful of how you’re feeling and take time to look after yourself and your needs. Here are some useful self-help tips to support you becoming a new parent:
Self-help resources and useful links
The following resources can be used to access support if you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing:
- Solihull Approach - Free online courses for parents and carers.
- SilverCloud - Free online mental health therapy - People aged 16 and over experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress can sign-up for a free 12-week course of SilverCloud online therapy via their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
- Parabl the Talking Therapies Partnership - Parabl Talking Therapies provides short-term therapeutic interventions for individuals facing common mental health difficulties or challenging life events which may be impacting on their emotional wellbeing.
- Mind Cymru - Making mental health an everyday priority.
- Five Ways to Wellbeing - Simple steps we can all take to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
- Wales Perinatal Networks Resources | NHS Wales Executive - Support and advice leaflets.
- The Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan | Tommy's - The Wellbeing Plan helps you start thinking about how you feel emotionally and what support you might need in your pregnancy and after the birth.
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) – Resources on mental health during pregnancy, including use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Birth Trauma Association - If you’re a parent who’s been traumatised by birth, the Birth Trauma Association here to help.
- PANDAS Foundation UK - The dedicated volunteer team are on hand to offer support and advice, and can help to direct you to other organisations, if necessary.