Mothers encourage women to seek support during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Posted: 29 April 2025

Mother with babyThis Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (5-11 May), mothers, alongside Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, are encouraging women across the district to open up about their mental health and reach out for help when they need it, as support is available.

While motherhood is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences, it can also come with significant emotional challenges. Up to one in five women experience mental health difficulties during or after pregnancy, including anxiety, depression and in some cases, postpartum psychosis. The awareness week aims to break down the stigma around maternal mental health and remind mums they are not alone. The Trust’s Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service (SMABS) offers personalised, short-term support to mums experiencing or at risk of severe mental health issues during and after pregnancy.

Dr Lisa Milne, Clinical Lead of the Trust’s Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service (SMABS), said: “Many mums feel they have to keep quiet about their struggles, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. But talking about maternal mental health helps others know they’re not alone. By sharing experiences and encouraging open conversations, we’re helping to reduce stigma and improve access to support.”

One mum who received support from SMABS shared her journey through poetry. Writing became a way for her to process her emotions and reflect on her progress:

“So if I met pregnant me now,
Would I recognise her?
I’d say, with a smile,
‘It’s true, you get better.’”

The mum, who gave birth to her daughter Hope, described the emotional ups and downs of becoming a parent, how fears, self-doubt, and trauma gave way to love, confidence and resilience, supported by the care she received. Her creative outlet has helped not only her healing but also served to inspire other mums who may be struggling in silence.

Top tips for mums’ mental health:

  • Talk about how you feel, speak with your midwife, GP or a mental health professional if you’re struggling.
  • Accept support – don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or professional services.
  • Prioritise rest – sleep deprivation can impact your mental health; try to rest when you can.
  • Stay connected – isolation can worsen low mood; keep in touch with others, even briefly.
  • Be kind to yourself – you don’t have to do it all. Small wins count.

Katie, a mum of two who received support from the Trust’s SMABS team, shared: “Some of the advice I got was really simple, like ‘accept help when people offer’. It’s easy to forget how powerful those small acts of self-care are, like having a shower or letting someone look after the baby for a moment. The support I had, made a huge difference to my emotional wellbeing.”

Find out more about local mental health services and support: