Advice for Partners and Families

Perinatal Mental Health Service - A guide for partners and families

What has caused this mental health condition?

A new baby in a couple’s life is often a far greater life event than can be anticipated in terms of change and restrictions on previous lifestyle. This adjustment cannot be underestimated.

There is no single cause of antenatal/postnatal mental health. It could be a combination of  physiological, psychological and social factors which become exacerbated by the perinatal  period. The perinatal period includes pregnancy and the postnatal year.

Their mental health can show itself in terms of symptoms such as lack of interest, being unable to carry out normal activities, worrying thoughts, high levels of anxiety and low mood.

There may be other signs such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, irritability and behaviour that is out of character.  

Will my partner get better?

Most women will make a good recovery. As well as professional services, the essential ingredient for recovery is support.

This needs to be both emotional and practical, from you and if possible, close friends and relatives.

What do we provide?

A specialist service is provided to care for mothers with mental health problems during  pregnancy and following the birth of their baby.

The team comprises of a mix of skilled professionals who provide a range of treatment options which can be delivered at home, in one of the community bases or as an inpatient.

How long will my partner be with the service?

This can vary from a few weeks to several months. Your partner and their baby are treated as individuals with unique problems which in turn will dictate the length of treatment.

What treatment will my partner receive?

Following assessment, a range of treatment  options can include individual or group sessions focusing on psychological, social, physical and emotional factors related to their illness. Medication can also be offered.

Carers information

All carers with a need for support are entitled to an assessment, regardless of the amount or type of support provided. If you live in Lincolnshire, please visit www.carersfirst.org.uk/lincolnshire, call 0300 303 1555 or speak with your partner’s mental health team.

How can I support my partner?

• Listen to your partner and be there.
• Understand that this is not their fault or yours and remind your partner that they will get better.
• Be involved with your partner’s care to gain understanding. Be patient and kind.
• Encourage your partner to rest and take time out for themselves.
• Offer practical help such as cooking a meal.
• Night times can be particularly difficult. Offer to do night feeds or just be available for support at night.
• Speak with your partner about arranging support from friends, family and services, as this might be a struggle to do alone.

We’re here for you

As a new parent, it is important that you look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing, so that in turn you can look after your family.

Research has shown that it is not only mothers that can become depressed following the birth of a baby.

We want to check in with partners during this time and may be able to signpost further for support. So if you are also struggling, please speak to us and we may be able to offer a partner assessment, or if not, we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP.

You can also self-refer to our Lincolnshire Talking Therapies service. Information on this can be found at www.lincolnshiretalkingtherapies.nhs.uk. To refer, you can fill in the self-referral form on the website or call our Single Point of Access (SPA) team on 0303 123 4000.