Your mental health
If you or someone you are concerned about are experiencing a mental health crisis
- Dial 999 if you have seriously harmed yourself
- Contact mental health services in Lancashire and South Cumbria (opens in new window)
- Attend Accident and Emergency at your local hospital
- Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on the phone bill).
Some things that you might consider doing to support your mental health are:
- Discuss any worries with your midwife or health visitor. Contact details will be in your maternity notes or your baby’s red book
- If you are already under the care of a specialist perinatal mental health midwife, specialist health visitor or a mental health worker you can get in touch to discuss your situation
- Try self-help resources such as apps, websites and books. See the resources provided below
- Join an online support group for expectant and new parents or one that is specifically for people with mental health needs via social media. See the resources provided below
- Find useful information about preparing for birth (opens in new window), becoming a mum (opens in new window) or becoming a parent (opens in new window).
- During your pregnancy and first year of having a baby, as well as feelings of joy and excitment, you can also feel anxiety. Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) can provide support during this time (opens in new window).
If you are worried about your mental health, you can get in touch with a health professional such as your usual GP, midwife, health visitor or mental health worker.
Postnatal stay at home plan
The postnatal period is one of great change and transition, especially during the current climate. This plan will help you think about yours and your baby’s needs in the postnatal period ahead of time, to ensure you get the support and rest you need and to enable you to prioritise connecting with your baby and recovering.
Useful contacts
Health visitor services
South Cumbria: 01539 718155
Lancashire: 0300 247 0040
Blackburn with Darwen: 01254 585 000
Blackpool: contact your local team (see your child’s red book)
Resources for self-help
- Mind have lots of free self-help activities available (opens in new window)
- The NHS Apps Library has a list of Mental Health apps (opens in new window)
- NHS Audio Guide on stress, anxiety and depression (opens in new window).
Useful online information and telephone support resources
- The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (opens in new window) has information and links on supporting perinatal mental health.
- PANDAS (Pre And Post Natal Depression Advice and Support( (opens in new window) Call free on 0808 1961 776. A Facebook page is also available offering inspiration, motivation and news and they also run a Facebook support group specifically for fathers (opens in new window)
- SANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline (opens in new window). Call them on 0300 304 7000. SANEline offer emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems
- APP Network provide support to women and families affected by post-partum psychosis (opens in new window) and offer online peer support forums
- Refuge support women and children who are experiencing domestic violence (opens in new window). They provide a freephone 24 hour helpline 0808 2000 247.
- NHS 111 - Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (or option 2) to reach trained professionals 24/7.