How to Seek Help
Why should I seek help?
Perinatal anxiety is very common and also very treatable, so don’t suffer in silence. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can get the support you need and start feeling better. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after your baby.
Who should I seek help from?
There are several healthcare professionals you can talk to about how you are feeling. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor can offer advice and help you access local support services; just ask them what is available in your area. In many parts of the UK, you can also self-refer to NHS talking therapy services.
Our signposting pages contain links to national organisations supporting many aspects of family wellbeing. We are also beginning to compile specific signposting pages for regions of the UK that we have partnered with. Follow the links below for more information.
What should I say?
Talking about your feelings can be challenging, and it can be difficult to know where to start. These tips may help:
- Write down what you want to say in advance and take your notes with you.
- Include an honest description of how you feel, and any thoughts or physical symptoms you have been having, and the outcome you want from your appointment(e.g. access to support or therapy).
- Print out any informationyou’ve found that is helpful or that relates to your feelings and symptoms.
- You may also want to complete our interactive symptom checker and take a printout of the results to your appointment
What is the treatment for perinatal anxiety?
This website offers practical skills to help you manage common stresses and anxieties during pregnancy and early parenthood. However, you might find you need additional support to feel fully better.
There are several treatments that have been shown to help during the perinatal period, including:
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), either in groups or individually, and approaches that include mindfulness.
- Self-help resources, such as digital CBT programmes or evidence-based self-help books.
- Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines. Your doctor can advise you on which medications are safe and appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Your GP, midwife or health visitor can help you understand which options may suit your symptoms best and will talk you through the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision.
