Tips for boosting your mental health
Tip #1: Talk about your feelings
Tip #1: Talk about your feelings
Tip #2: Sing along
Tip #2: Sing along
Tip #3: Rest
Tip #3: Rest
Tip #4: Take it a day at a time
Tip #4: Take it a day at a time
Tip #5: Understanding your relationship with your baby
Tip #5: Understanding your relationship with your baby
Tip #6: Get outdoors
Tip #6: Get outdoors
Tip #7: Don’t worry about being a supermum
Tip #7: Don’t worry about being a supermum
Tip #8: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need
Tip #8: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need
Getting support
Sometimes as a new mum you may feel that no-one understands how you’re feeling. But lots of mums will be feeling the same as you, so it can be helpful to talk to other new mums. This can help you find ways of coping, and remind you that you're not alone.
Remember, when looking for support online it's important to stay safe. Here are some questions to ask when looking at a peer support group:
- Who is running the support group?
- Can I find out if they have mental health first aid training?
- Do they have knowledge of signposting routes for further support?
- Does the group have guidelines? What are they?
Peer support groups should be clear about what they offer and should be happy to spend time discussing any questions you may have. The charity Mind has helpful pages about what peer support is and how to access it. If in doubt ask your midwife, health visitor, family nurse or GP.
There are lot of other ways to find support for your mental health. A directory of third sector services supporting mental health for women, babies and their families can be found here.
Remember that you’re not alone – all of us struggle from time to time. And it's also important to remember you can still access support during this time. Talk to your midwife, health visitor, family nurse or GP if you’re finding it all a bit much.