Postnatal Depression Help With Brighter Start
Don’t suffer alone. Find postnatal depression help and support at our Brighter Start Group in Dunstable.
Postnatal depression is very common but is not always talked about. Figures from the Royal College of Obstetricians reveal some quite startling statistics. Notably, that as many as one in five women develop some sort of mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year of birth. This can range from the “baby blues” that is very common in the early days after birth through to illness requiring hospital admission and treatment.
The good news is that with the right support and treatment most women make a full recovery. However, with mental health services stretched across the country, we have worked hard to gain funding to relaunch our popular postnatal depression help group in Dunstable.
PND – Post Natal Depression
Postnatal depression sometimes develops within the first six weeks of giving birth. Although, it can be a surprise that it may not appear until six months after having a baby.
It is similar to other forms of depression in its symptoms. Including the emotions and feelings experienced by sufferers. New or repeat mothers may experience postnatal depression, and fathers may also be affected. You can find out more about the symptoms of PND at the NHS Choices website.
“At the group, we feel that we can be honest. You will never find girls more understanding and friendly. If you are a mum and are suffering from depression or anxiety why not do yourself a favour and come along.”
Coping With Postnatal Depression
The first thing to do is to go and see your GP or speak to your Health Visitor. Having someone go with you to the GP can be very helpful. Don’t struggle on alone. Talk to a friend, a family member or your partner.
If you live in Dunstable or can get there, why not come along to our postnatal depression help group for women. Named Brighter Start, the group meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings. You are welcome to bring your baby or little one – we have toys available for under fives. At the group, we aim to give some ideas for coping with postnatal depression.
About The Group
Our local charity understands how hard it can be to come to a group when you are anxious and depressed. For this reason, we are happy to talk to you beforehand to talk through any concerns or anxieties that you might have. We always try our best to be warm and welcoming and to make you feel at ease. If you would like to talk about your PND experience when you are at the group that is great. However, if you would rather just sit quietly that is fine too. Above all, we won’t put you on the spot or ask you to do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable.
Many of the women who come to our group think of it as a time when they can relax with friends who understand. Moreover, it’s a time when they do not need to pretend that they are feeling good. Some women have said that it was a relief to be able to admit that they weren’t enjoying being a parent and that others didn’t judge them. Sometimes we laugh too – it’s not all depressing! We also have coffee/tea and great cakes!
Postnatal Depression Help With Brighter Start
Starts May 9th, 2017.
Join us on Tuesday mornings at our charity’s location in Dunstable.
Home-Start Central Bedfordshire
The Annexe, Downside Neighbourhood Centre
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU54AS
