Breaking Stigma Around Perinatal Depression
Amidst the excitement of parenthood, there can be an emotional weight that many parents face in silence. Parenthood is often depicted as one of life’s most joyous experiences, yet for many, it can be shadowed by unexpected feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. Perinatal depression—affecting parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period—brings complex emotional struggles that can make joy seem as distant as a dream. The contrast between societal expectations and bawling reality can intensify feelings of isolation, discouraging new parents from seeking support. This Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week, we’re diving into the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health and exploring pathways for support.
Perinatal Mental Health: Stigma and Silence
Perinatal mental health struggles impact approximately one in five mothers, up to 1 in 10 non-birth parents. But stigma often silences them. To make matters more complicated, perinatal depression is often confounded with – or minimised as –“baby blues”. There are several differences however, including a range of intense emotions, like sadness, guilt, and anxiety, that persist beyond the early weeks of motherhood. Unfortunately, society’s image of a “perfect mother” leads many to believe that feeling anything other than happiness is a sign of inadequacy or weakness. This pressure can prevent mothers from voicing their struggles, out of fear of judgment or perceived failure.
Stigma around perinatal depression may stem from deeply ingrained beliefs about motherhood and mental health. Many feel that acknowledging these issues implies they are somehow “unfit” parents. This misconception can lead to untreated perinatal mental health issues, impacting mothers and their families.
Watch the Video: Why we all need to talk about postpartum depression
Through our growing awareness we replace judgment with empathy, validating that these mental health challenges are common, manageable, and do not define one’s ability to be a caring and capable parent.
Recognising Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Signs
Recognising perinatal anxiety and depression can be challenging. Anxiety may appear as constant worry over the baby’s health, an intense fear of making mistakes, or relentless self-doubt. Some may experience intrusive thoughts, fatigue, irritability, or difficulty bonding with their baby. For others, it can present as persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping, or a sense of detachment from daily life.
The symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety can easily be dismissed as regular aspects of adjusting to parenthood, particularly when new parents are already adjusting to a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and responsibilities. However, this awareness week aims to empower parents with knowledge to identify these feelings and access the support they need early on. Recognising these signs is an essential first step, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and their families.
“Risk factors for mental health problems in the perinatal period include history of mental illness, biological factors, poverty, an absence of a social support network, racism and discrimination, migration, extreme stress, exposure to violence, emergency and conflict situations, natural disasters, and trauma.” – from
Advice for Expecting Parents: Preparing for Mental Health Challenges
Expecting parents can benefit from proactive mental health preparations to navigate the unique challenges ahead. Knowing that both joyous and challenging emotions are part of the perinatal journey can ease the pressure to feel a certain way. Developing a support system—including partners, family, friends, or healthcare professionals—can create a strong foundation for mental well-being. Open conversations with one’s partner about the upcoming changes can also set realistic expectations and strengthen mutual support.
Additionally, resources like prenatal counselling and parental mental health workshops can equip parents with coping strategies and stress management techniques. Being aware of the potential for perinatal depression and anxiety, and understanding what signs to look for, allows parents to respond quickly if they start experiencing distress. Building mental health resilience is as much a part of preparation as setting up the nursery or packing a hospital bag.
Managing Communication Challenges with Loved Ones
Perinatal mental health can be difficult to discuss with loved ones, particularly if they have traditional beliefs or limited understanding of mental health. Managing these conversations with openness and clear communication can be beneficial. Explain that mental health challenges are a recognised part of perinatal care, just as physical health is, and clarify that seeking support isn’t a reflection of weakness but rather a proactive choice.
For those struggling to communicate, a trusted health professional can offer guidance or facilitate family discussions. Many find it helpful to share articles or information from reputable sources on perinatal mental health with their loved ones. This encourages a better understanding of the journey new parents face, fostering empathy and support in place of judgment or misunderstanding.
The Role of Community Support in Perinatal Well-being
“Social support—defined broadly as support that an individual receives from other people in their social network—is crucial, particularly during the perinatal period because:
(1) perceived social support can buffer the negative effects of perinatal mental health symptoms on both mother and child [28-30];
(2) higher levels of perceived social support can reduce the risk of postpartum stress and depression symptoms, and/or reduce their severity [31-33]; and
(3) parental social support also leads to more optimal home environments for their children [34,35]. For example, practical support can help a mother manage the demands of childcare (eg, babysitting, general care for the infant, help with household responsibilities); while emotional support can help a mother feel heard and less lonely, and emotionally process the demands of motherhood.” – from
Family, friends, and healthcare professionals clearly play a vital role in recognising and supporting those dealing with perinatal anxiety and depression. Community members can offer practical help, emotional support, and reassurance, helping to reduce isolation. Research consistently shows that having a robust support system improves recovery rates and well-being in mothers facing mental health challenges.
Healthcare professionals, including midwives, GPs, and mental health specialists, are instrumental in identifying early signs of perinatal depression and providing timely interventions. For friends and family, simply offering an empathetic ear and understanding response can be a lifeline. Being aware of community resources, such as support groups or maternal mental health programmes, can also be invaluable in connecting new parents to additional support networks.
Finding and Accessing Mental Health Support During the Perinatal Period
Finding mental health support during the perinatal period isn’t just possible; it’s essential. Accessing support tailored to perinatal mental health can profoundly impact a parent’s journey. Specialist perinatal mental health services, available through both public health systems and private providers, offer counselling, therapy, and other supports designed to address the unique needs of new mothers and parents.
Beyond professional mental health services, many organisations provide resources for those dealing with perinatal depression and anxiety. Support groups and online forums offer a safe space for sharing experiences and guidance, allowing parents to connect with others who understand. For those seeking more structured support, counselling options are available, often with professionals who specialise in perinatal mental health. Early intervention remains crucial, as reaching out promptly when symptoms appear can lead to a faster recovery and help parents find renewed joy in their journey.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perinatal mental health. For new and expecting parents, acknowledging the complexities of this journey and embracing the possibility of mental health struggles can break down barriers of shame and isolation. With growing awareness and support, new mothers and fathers alike can find the strength to address perinatal depression, recognising that seeking help is a testament to their commitment to their families.
Through open dialogue, proactive support, and an empathetic community, we can pave the way for healthier, happier parents. This week, let’s stand together to make it clear that mental health is as much a part of parenthood as the joy it brings, and that every parent deserves the chance to thrive in their role.
