My project about perinatal mental health, And Yet often leads to people talking to me about their own experiences, or expressing concern about a friend or family member experiencing their own difficulties. Back in 2010, I did write a blog post about my own mental health experiences after having my daughter, but creating and sharing this project has made it clear to me that I need a more comprehensive list.
This post aims to be a central place where I can add links to websites and general information about perinatal mental health. Please do get in touch if you can think of anything I can add.
PANDAS Foundation
Offer a variety of support services and also have social media groups and pages. Comprehensive website with information about different kinds of pre and post-natal mental illness and links to various sources of information and advice.
APNI: the Association for Post-Natal Illness
Provides telephone helpline, information leaflets and a network of volunteers who have themselves experienced PND. NB: Mainly focussed on post-natal depression and anxiety.
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Useful and comprehensive digital versions of their leaflets about specific conditions, including: Postnatal Depression, Perinatal OCD, Postpartum Psychosis, and General Mental Health in pregnancy.
The Mental Health Foundation
General information about mental health, including a useful leaflet about discussing mental health with your GP and a general information page about postnatal depression.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Group aimed at improving maternal mental health by changing policy and educating professionals. Also has a help and support page aimed at parents, with links to other organisations, including local area support groups.
MIND
General mental health information with useful A-Z information links, support signposting and a page dedicated to perinatal mental health.