Pregnancy is a time of great joy, but it is also be a time of volatile emotions which can lead to mental health problems.
Figures show that one in five women suffer from depression, anxiety or post-birth psychosis during pregnancy or a year after giving birth.
It’s not just new mums who experience this: figures from the UK Medical Research Council and University College London suggest that 21% of new fathers also experience a depressive episode
For some women, the challenge begins even before they fall pregnant. Those who have mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, may have to weigh up whether they are prepared to come off their medication to have a child.
We want to hear your stories of pregnancy and mental health: whether on the challenges of pre or postnatal depression or the difficulties of coming off medication to have a child. Perhaps fear over mental health issues in your family or partner is holding you back from having a child in the first place.
We also want to hear from men who have experienced mental health problems associated with becoming a father. Share your story with us below.
As this is a sensitive topic, please be reassured that we will not share or publish any personal details without obtaining contributors’ permission first.
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