Overhaul of mental health services for new mums in rural areas

North Yorkshire is at the forefront of research into the effective support of mental wellbeing for pregnant women and new mothers.

The County Council has commissioned researchers from Newcastle and Durham Universities to carry out an exploration of women’s needs and experiences living in rural communities during pregnancy and the early motherhood. The findings of the study will help in the design of public health and health care to address these needs.

It’s a problem which affects women across our region, something Lyn Hammel discovered when she had her second child;

“I lived probably for at least a year, and hid it, I was pretty much isolated and I think most mums don’t realise – It’s not just tiredness.

“I think that stigma attached to mental health, it’s easier to pretend there’s nothing wrong.

“I did fear that the health visitor would come and take my baby away – and I also just felt that there isn’t enough support.

Lynn set up a mother and baby group Clart About, which runs sessions to get new mums out of the house and talking about what’s getting them down. She hopes that this will reduce social isolation for new parents and prevent Post-natal depression developing.

“I didn’t tell anybody, I kept it to myself, thinking that people were going to judge me as a bad mam, deep down, as a mam, I’m thinking ‘I’m being judged’ and will someone take my baby away if I admit that I need help and I can’t cope.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:

“We know how important the mental health of mothers is. What we don’t know is how common mental health difficulties are in North Yorkshire for women during pregnancy and the early years of their baby’s life, and how we can improve services for these women. This study will make North Yorkshire a leader in research into learning what is effective in treating these problems.

“For example, in rural areas there are issues around mothers easily accessing the provision, so one of the things the researchers will be looking at is whether we can better use modern telecommunications to provide support to mothers wherever they may be.”

Women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby may be approached to take part in a survey when they have their 20-week scan, when they see their health visitor at 34 weeks or six weeks after having their baby.

In addition, the researchers are keen to hear from anyone who experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, whether diagnosed on undiagnosed, during pregnancy or within a year after giving birth.

Cllr Sanderson added: “The results of the survey will influence the services we commission and our health service colleagues will learn more about alternative ways of providing support to mothers who have perinatal mental health issues.”

To take part in an interview, email northyorksmmh@newcastle.ac.uk or call 0191 2083807.

You can find out more about Clart About and the Clart About Cares sessions – run by Lynn – from their website. http://clartabout.co.uk/clart-about-cares-class/