When motherhood doesn't feel the way you expected
Maternal Mental Health Support Across The North East
Specialist perinatal support for anxiety, low mood, and the emotions of pregnancy and new parenthood that nobody warns you about.
- 44 Practitioners
- 6 North East clinics
- Free First Pathway call
Understanding maternal mental health
The transition to motherhood is one of the biggest changes a person can go through.
Maternal mental health covers the psychological wellbeing of women during pregnancy (antenatal) and in the year following birth (postnatal). Research shows that one in five women experience a mental health problem during the perinatal period. This can include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD related to a difficult birth, and in rarer cases, postpartum psychosis. These are not signs of weakness or bad motherhood. They are medical conditions that respond to treatment.
The transition to parenthood involves profound changes to identity, relationships, body, and daily life. For some women, these changes are accompanied by a previous history of mental health difficulties, relationship stress, inadequate support, or a pregnancy that was unplanned or complicated. Any of these factors can increase vulnerability. Even without them, the demands of new parenthood are genuinely immense.
Therapy during the perinatal period is safe, effective, and available without a long wait at Select Psychology. Our therapists are experienced in working with women through this particular time of life, and the work can have a lasting positive impact not only for the mother, but for her relationship with her baby and wider family.
Common signs
How maternal mental health shows up, and what can help
Common signs
- Low mood or crying more than feels normal
- Anxiety or worry that is difficult to switch off
- Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is settled
- Irritability or feeling overwhelmed by small things
- Feeling guilty or like you are not good enough
- Struggling to bond with your baby or unborn child
- Withdrawing from people and social situations
- Loss of enjoyment in things you used to love
Therapies that can help
Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
- Counselling
The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with maternal mental health, at your chosen location.
A simple first move
Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.
Who you might work with
Therapists with expertise in supporting people with maternal mental health
Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.
When to reach out
You do not have to be at rock bottom before asking for help.
If you have been experiencing low mood, anxiety, or other symptoms for more than two weeks during pregnancy or after birth, that is a signal worth taking seriously. You do not need to be in crisis. Many women come to us feeling like they should be coping better, or that their feelings are not bad enough to warrant support. They are, and you deserve it.
Talking to your midwife or GP is always a good first step. If you would like specialist psychological support alongside or in addition to this, our Pathway Team can help you find the right person. The sooner support begins, the better the outcomes tend to be for both mother and baby.
Where we offer this
Support for maternal mental health across the North East
Questions before you start
What people usually ask
1 What is the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?
Baby blues are very common and typically begin around day three to five after birth, causing tearfulness, mood swings, and emotional sensitivity. They usually resolve within two weeks. Postnatal depression is more persistent, typically lasting longer than ten to fourteen days, and affects daily functioning. If low mood and anxiety are not lifting after two weeks, it is worth speaking to your GP or midwife, and seeking specialist support.
2 Can maternal mental health problems start during pregnancy, not just after?
Yes. Antenatal mental health refers to psychological difficulties that arise during pregnancy itself, including anxiety, depression, and OCD. These are just as real and just as treatable as postnatal difficulties, and just as worthy of support. If you are struggling during pregnancy, please do not wait until after the birth to ask for help.
3 Is what I'm feeling postnatal depression?
Common signs include persistent low mood, difficulty sleeping even when the baby is settled, loss of enjoyment, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and a sense of guilt or that you are not good enough. If these have lasted more than two weeks and are affecting your daily life, it may be postnatal depression. A free Pathway call with our team is a good first step to understanding what you are experiencing and what would help.
4 What if I'm struggling to bond with my baby?
Bonding difficulties are more common than people realise and are not a reflection of how much you love your child. They can be a symptom of postnatal depression, anxiety, or birth trauma. With the right support, many women find that bonding improves significantly once the underlying mental health difficulties are addressed. Please do not carry this alone.
In the meantime
Small things that can help right now.
- Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
- Eat regular meals and rest whenever you are able
- Join a class or group to connect with other new parents
- Use slow breathing exercises when you feel overwhelmed
- Tell your midwife or GP if you are struggling to cope
- Give yourself the same patience you would offer a close friend going through this.
From the blog
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