Becoming a Parent and the Effect on Mental Health

“Starting a family is a milestone in many people’s lives. It can also be a stressful time and many parents experience mental ill health. The most common mental health problems experienced during pregnancy and after birth are anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however some women can experience more severe symptoms such as postpartum psychosis” (Mental Health Foundation, 2019).

This course will look at some of the signs that might indicate new parents are struggling. It looks at what we can all do to support people in their parenting role, and explains the services and interventions available should people need these.

By the end of the course, you will:

Explore some of the mental health experiences people can have during pregnancy and after birth and how common these can be
Know some of the signs and symptoms people might display that may indicate they need some help and support
Understand the impact of stigma and guilt on new parents and how this can prevent people getting the help and support they need
Understand a little about what can cause some of these signs and symptoms
Have listened to different lived experiences of mental health difficulties after becoming a new parent and how these experiences make people feel
Explore the kind of things that do help and don’t help during this difficult time
Think about what you can do to support new parents whatever your role may be, be that professional, peer, friend, grandparent etc.
Know what specialist services and interventions exist and how to request a referral for assessment.

Date: 31 July 2023

Times: 10am to 4pm

Venue: Seminar Room 1, The Curve, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL