Women's Suicide Prevention Hub - Perinatal - Grassroots Suicide Prevention

Need Help? Find Help Now

Women's Suicide Prevention Hub - perinatal

The perinatal period starts when a person becomes pregnant and lasts until around one year after they give birth. The hormonal, physical and mental impact of pregnancy can be stressful and difficult for many people.

Perinatal⏐ Menopause & perimenopause⏐ Domestic violence⏐ Postpartum⏐ Childhood abuse⏐Eating disorders⏐ Sexual violence ⏐ Pre-menstrual

In partnership with PANDAS, the perinatal mental health charity

Annie Belasco, CEO of PANDAS

“Sadly, we know that the number one cause of death within the first year of maternity is still suicide and we want this to change. Early intervention is critical to support signs and symptoms of poor mental health from conception through to birth and beyond. Whilst many women/men/parents we hear from are dismissed or feel undermined during appointments with medical teams, we know that the NHS are completely over-stretched and under-resourced.

It is critical that, for the future of maternity and parenting, the approach to poor mental health is treated seriously in every case and each parent has access to education and support where they may need this.”

Are you struggling?

The expectation if you are pregnant or have recently given birth is that this is a happy time when you ‘glow’ and connect with your baby. For many women, however, it can be a difficult time full of physical, social and emotional changes. You may feel tired, weak and unmotivated due to hormonal changes. You may have had to cope with severe physical changes like morning sickness, feeling faint, and back pain. These can lead to depression, anxiety and even thoughts of suicide.

Twenty-seven percent of women suffer from mental illness during this period. If you have persistent symptoms over two weeks, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and get the support you need. With proper treatment, most women feel better, and their symptoms improve.

Stay Alive app

Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.

PANDAs - support

PANDAS offer a free helpline number, text service and email service.

Contact your GP

Speak to your GP or health care professional to discuss together what tests, treatment and support are right for you.

PANDAS - GP resource

PANDAS have created a document to help you talk to your GP about what you might be experiencing.

National Childbirth Trust

NCT offer workshops, courses and local activities across the UK.

Are you supporting someone?

Research shows that thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation) is highest in pregnant women and that suicide is a leading cause of death during the perinatal period, accounting for up to 20% of maternal deaths in high-income countries (Grigoriadis et al., 2017). Pregnant teenagers are at even higher risk

Perinatal depression is a serious but treatable medical illness, carrying risks for the mother and child. Untreated perinatal depression affects not only health and wellbeing during pregnancy but can also cause premature birth, with low birth weight. Knock-on effects include problems with bonding, sleeping and feeding problems for the baby. In the longer term, children of mothers with perinatal depression are at greater risk for cognitive, emotional, developmental and verbal deficits and impaired social skills (Brand & Brennan, 2009).

If you see symptoms that last longer than two weeks, it is important to get them the support they need. Treatment for perinatal depression usually includes a combination of therapy and medication.

NHS Support

Read the NHS online resource about depression during pregnancy.

National Institute of Mental Health

Guidelines on recognising and treating perinatal depression:.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

NICE have a guide on recognising, assessing and treating mental health problems around pregnancy.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

Public Health England have developed a toolkit for developing and improving practice in mental health care around pregnancy.

Mental health difficulties during the perinatal period

Apathy and no energy – no interest in anything
Lack of appetite
Indifference to the baby
Withdrawal and becoming isolated from people
High anxiety and worry about the birth or being a parent
Persistent feelings of low mood, sadness and feeling pesimistic
Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Thoughts of harming themselves or the baby
Loneliness and isolation
Thoughts about wanting to end your own life and suicide

Real stories

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle revealed the depths of despair women can face during pregnancy. Although every woman experiencing suicidal thoughts will have unique reasons for these feelings, pregnancy and birth are common factors. Meghan said she “did not want to be alive anymore” and thought that taking her own life “would have solved everything for everyone.” These are very common suicidal thoughts that can be overcome.

Her willingness to publicly acknowledge her emotional struggles of anguish and loneliness during a vulnerable time has helped raise awareness. Her more recent public appearances and interviews show that she is now living happily with her family, a story that can bring hope to the millions of women who identify with her struggle.

Understanding depression

In a video with Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, Stephanie talks about her pre- and post-natal depression (PND). She experienced this with both of her children and, following the birth of her now ten-year old daughter, was diagnosed with PND and treated privately by a psychiatrist with therapy and antidepressants.

Watch the inspiring video on Youtube.

Find advice and sources of support for other aspects of women’s mental health.

Learn more about how to have a conversation with someone at risk of suicide.