5th May 2026
“If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and reach out. It could be life changing.”
That is the message from women who have shared their experiences of accessing specialist perinatal mental health support as the Southern Health and Social Care Trust marks Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (4–10 May).
This year’s theme, A Decade of Voices, focuses on listening to women’s experiences and continuing to strengthen support during pregnancy and after birth.
Perinatal mental health refers to mental health during pregnancy and the first year after birth. It is estimated that up to one in four women experience difficulties during this time, including anxiety, depression and more complex mental health conditions.
To highlight the support available, the Trust has spoken to women who accessed specialist services and described the impact of early, tailored support during pregnancy as significant particularly at a time when many feel vulnerable, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn.
The Trust supports women with moderate to severe perinatal mental health needs through a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including mental health nurses, a health visitor, midwife, OT, social worker, an obstetrician, a consultant psychiatrist, psychologists and parent infant therapist.
A key part of this service is a specialist antenatal mental health clinic at Craigavon, which offers longer appointments and continuity of care, allowing women to see the same professionals throughout their pregnancy. This is the only dedicated antenatal mental health service of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Women who have used the service describe the difference it made as profound.
Louise said the support she received compared to her previous pregnancy was “night and day”.
“Seeing the same faces and not having to explain my mental health history every time made such a difference. We knew we were covered.”
She added that knowing support would be in place early was crucial.
“Knowing we would have that support from 12 weeks was a deciding factor for us in growing our family.”
Another woman described the antenatal clinic as “a massive game changer”, particularly at a time when she felt overwhelmed.
“It made such a difference in how I felt coming to appointments. I didn’t feel like a burden, and I didn’t feel like I had to hide how I was feeling.”
The women also highlighted the importance of involving partners in care. One mum explained:
“My husband really noticed a change in me when I started attending the clinic. It helped him understand what was going on and feel part of the journey.”
They also spoke about the need for greater awareness of available support, with one woman explaining she would not have known about the service without the intervention of a healthcare professional.
“I wouldn’t have known about the team at all. It was a midwife who recognised I needed support and referred me.”
Addressing stigma, the women spoke about fears that can prevent people from seeking help.
“There’s a massive fear that people will judge you or think you don’t love your baby but that’s not the case.”
They emphasised that reaching out can have long‑lasting benefits.
“You’re not just helping yourself you’re helping your whole family.”
Consultant Psychiatrist with the Trust, Dr Sarah Lowry, said:
“We know that pregnancy and the period after birth can be an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time for many women. Perinatal mental health difficulties are more common than people realise, and asking for support can feel daunting. Our role is to listen without judgement and provide early, tailored care, working closely with maternity and community teams to achieve the best outcomes for mothers and their babies.”
Jan McGall, the Southern Trust’s Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability, added:
“Supporting maternal mental health is a key part of our Vision & Strategy 2030, which focuses on early intervention, joined‑up care and listening to what matters most to families.
By delivering specialist, compassionate support at the right time, we are helping women feel safe, supported and confident throughout pregnancy and into early parenthood.”
Women are being reminded that support is available at any stage during pregnancy or after birth, and that seeking help is a positive step for both mother and family.
The Trust is encouraging anyone who may be struggling during pregnancy or after birth to seek support. Referrals to the Perinatal Mental Health Team can be made through a midwife, GP or health visitor.