Norfolk psychiatrist calls for more investment in post-partum mental health services
It's as new figures show up to 1200 new mums in England and Wales suffer from psychosis each year
A psychiatrist in the county's calling for more investment in post-partum mental health services.
It's as new figures show up to 1200 new mums in England and Wales suffer psychosis each year - different to the so-called 'baby-blues', symptoms of postpartum psychosis include hallucinations, such as seeing and hearing things that are not there.
"Some of our ladies are aware that they are unwell, while others are not"
Dr Somayya Kajee works at the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust: "There seems to be something about the birth-process itself that triggers this psychosis. We see women who have a personal mental health issue or a family history of it being more at risk than those who haven't got that history.
"It's scary and confusing for those who are diagnosed with it. Some of our ladies are aware that they are unwell, while others are not.
"Some have family and friends who can support them, while others are not so lucky and that makes it even harder for them."
More details on psychosis:
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says the data is broadly in line with previous estimates, which suggest one to two new mothers in every 1,000 are affected.
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health illness that occurs soon after having a baby and is very different to the "baby blues", where mothers can feel down following birth.
Sometimes called puerperal psychosis or postnatal psychosis, the symptoms of postpartum psychosis include hallucinations, such as seeing and hearing things that are not there.
The NHS website also says women can experience delusions, such as believing they are being followed or watched, and have suspicions that are not true.
They can also feel "high", be restless, suffer agitation, have difficulty sleeping and have anxiety or low mood.
Symptoms usually start suddenly within the first two weeks after giving birth, often within the first few hours or days, but can sometimes develop weeks later.
If not treated quickly, usually in hospital, the psychosis can increase the risk of suicide.
What's the Government said?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said:
"Supporting new mothers and their babies is vital, and every part of England now has a specialist mental health team with experts offering tailored support for a range of conditions, including postpartum psychosis.
"Spending on mental health has increased by more than £4.5 billion in cash terms since 2019, and our Long Term Workforce Plan is growing the number of NHS staff working in mental health, primary and community care, further strengthening support for these services.
"In addition, GPs should now provide mental and physical health checks for six weeks to mothers after a birth under new NHS guidance."