Mental health group shows support for Sussex parents
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
More than 190 parents have improved their mental health thanks to the Families in Mind (Post Natal Support) project, run by Coastal West Sussex Mind.
The scheme provides group, peer and one-to-one support for parents who are experiencing low moods, feelings of isolation or anxiety, or struggling with perinatal and postnatal depression.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSean O’Donnell, team leader at Footprints Children and Family Centre in Worthing, said: “The postnatal depression support group really is helping people.
“When it was first launched 18 months ago, the group filled a gap in the support available in Worthing for new mums and dads.
“It was a hole which has been filled and now gives people that instantaneous access to mental health support which is so valuable.”
One participant said: “When I was about eight weeks pregnant I suffered badly from prenatal depression. I wouldn’t eat or drink, I lost a lot of weight. I cried all the time. I started having thoughts of getting rid of my baby.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter taking part in the scheme she said: “I was able to discuss my true feelings without being judged.
“It gave me a support network outside of the group, friends I could talk to day and night.
“Without the group, I would have been totally isolated.”
According to the NSPCC one in ten women suffer from a perinatal mental illness and evidence shows they do not get the care and support they need.
Families in Mind aims to improve mental health awareness, coping mechanisms and the bond between parent and child.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I could not have got through without this support,” said another participant.
“I have gone from a very depressed, upset, emotional new mum to a confident, happy mum who can cope with what life throws at me.”
The group claims all of those who have taken part so far have said it has helped them to manage their mental health more effectively.
The service is provided at the Bognor, Chichester and Worthing children and family centres, and parents are welcome to take their children with them.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFor more information, check www.coastalwestsussexmind.org/our-services/post-natal-support-group or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/CoastalWestSussexMind.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news
3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.