A crucial new service is set to become a lifeline for expectant parents suffering from anxiety and mild depression ahead of the arrival of their baby.
"It is really a preventative service, what we are trying to do is ensure women's mental health doesn't deteriorate to the point they need more focused and more significant intervention from the perinatal mental health team or GPs, it is very much early stages of prevention to ensure we don't reach the stage women need greater input and also creating that stronger bond."
All those who take part will leave with knowledge of mindfulness and relaxation techniques to take forward into their new lives with their baby. They will also be given a support plan of how and where to access any further support that their family may benefit from and this plan will be tailored to each family’s individual needs.
It has been said the service, which launched in October, is particularly timely as so many people experienced stress and anxiety during the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis is putting a further strain on the mental health of many parents in Northern Ireland. They are also promoting partner involvement, if they suffer anxiety or depression, and want the service to be as inclusive as possible, for those who need support before baby arrives.There will be an assessment of everyone referred and it will look at family life, pressures and may decide at the end that the group is not appropriate due to extra vulnerabilities and would do one to one with that person.
The service is being supported by the Department of Health through the Mental Health Support Fund, which is administered and managed by the Community Foundation Northern Ireland.