GETTING HELP

LEARN / PARENTS / MENTAL HEALTH / GETTING HELP

HAVING A BABY IS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND TRIGGER STRUGGLES HOWEVER WITH SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IT CAN IMPROVE. SEE THE GUIDE FOR SUPPORT AND TREATMENTS

SUPPORT

TREATMENTS

Talking to friends, family or professionals
Joining groups for parents
Increasing physical activity such as walking, running, jogging
Meditation and practicing mindfulness
Eating healthy
Relaxing therapies such as massage
Speaking to your doctor/midwife
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Psychological therapy
Medicines

If you feel as though you are in danger or that you may harm yourself, your child or if you know someone who is mentally ill and acting dangerously please contact 999 or the urgent helpline

LEAVING ABUSE

BE PREPARED

Know your partner’s schedule to plan the best time to leave
Pack and hide an emergency bag and money for you and your children
Put important documents in emergency bag (birth certificates, bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements and insurances)
Arrange a place to go to so you have somewhere safe when you leave
Buy a cheap phone and add important phone numbers including shelter contact number and trusted people (make sure to turn phone off when hidden in bag)

LEAVING

Leave when your partner is at work or is out and will not return within the hour
Collect your children if they are not with you and inform child carer to only allow you or trusted people to pick them up
Contact the police for a restraining order to prevent your partner coming near you again