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New Mothers Face Silent Mental Health Crisis
2 Feb
Summary
- Postnatal depression affects up to 85,000 new mothers in England annually.
- Maternal suicide is a leading cause of death one year post-birth.
- Perinatal mental illness impacts unborn infants, risking premature birth.
Perinatal mental illness continues to affect many new mothers who suffer in silence, despite being eminently treatable. Research indicates that postnatal depression impacted up to 85,000 new mothers in England last year alone. This condition is a significant concern, as maternal suicide stands as one of the leading causes of death for women between six weeks and one year postpartum.
Untreated perinatal mental health issues, both before and after birth, can have severe consequences. These include risks to unborn infants such as premature birth and low birth weight. Furthermore, parents may struggle to bond with their newborns, potentially leading to attachment issues. The Royal College of Psychiatrists emphasizes that these situations are preventable and treatable with adequate support.
