Becoming a parent is often portrayed as a joyous time; however, for many the reality is very different with reports showing that one in five women and one in 10 men are affected by mental health problems during pregnancy and the first year after birth. The stigma and fear associated with perinatal mental health can leave those affected feeling inadequate as a parent, isolated and vulnerable and can impede or delay getting help, treatment and recovery. 

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) Perinatal Mental Health Network is a multi-disciplinary group working collaboratively to plan and deliver on the perinatal mental health agenda. 

Michelle Guthrie, Health Improvement Senior (Mental Health) who chairs the group says: “The network is made up of a range of partners from across Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) including Health Improvement, Family Nurse Partnership, Nurse Consultant and a host of third sector organisations, all in contact with new and expectant parents. Our ethos is very much about sharing practice, research and evidence and identifying gaps in support and provisions across GGC and how we can work together to address these.

“The network has developed a prevention and early intervention guide to support staff to have conversations with parents about their mental health during the perinatal period and signpost to supports appropriate to their needs to avert a mental health crisis from developing.”

If you would like to find out more about the guide and how to access copies please contact michelle.guthrie@ggc.scot.nhs.uk