Asking for help with your mental health can be daunting, but please know that professionals will never judge you for what you’re going through. They won’t feel like you’re wasting their time either - they will be so glad that you asked for help.
NHS Talking Therapies
The fastest and best option for most people will be to self-refer to NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Talking Therapies (opens in a new tab). They offer a range of free evidence-based therapies for a wide range of mental health difficulties and you can self-refer via website (opens in a new tab) or via telephone 0300 300 0055. Alternatively, if it’s hard for you to self-refer, your midwife or other health professional can refer you if you want, but this won’t result in you being seen any faster than you self-referring.
Parents of a child under 2, including during pregnancy, are prioritised, so you shouldn’t be waiting long to be seen. You should have your initial assessment appointment within 2-4 weeks, and most people should be able to start therapy around 2-4 weeks after that – it may take longer for certain types of therapy, or if you are very restricted in when you can have therapy sessions.
You do not need a diagnosis to access the service. Some of the problems they can help you address include:
- generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- social anxiety
- depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- sleep problems
- health anxiety
- stress
- panic
- phobias
- low self-esteem/low confidence
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Some of the therapies they offer include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Guided self-help
- Wellbeing workshops
Therapy can be offered in a variety of different ways, depending on what would work best for you: face to face, over the phone or video calls, via instant messaging. Most therapies are in one-to-one sessions but groups are also available.
If you are 'out of area' for CPFT (i.e. not registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Peterborough, Royston or Oundle), find your local equivalent service (opens in a new tab).
GP
As well as self-referring to Talking Therapies, speaking to your GP is a great option for anyone worried about their mental health. They can diagnose many common difficulties, and offer medications that are an important part of treatment for many people. Most mental health medications have very good safety profiles in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the benefits of treating a mental health problem usually outweigh any small risks of taking medication. Your GP will discuss this with you to make sure you can make the best decision for you.
As well as discussing and prescribing medication, GPs can help to monitor any changes in your mental health, as they will know you from before pregnancy and carry on working with you afterwards. They can also discuss self-help advice for many problems such as sleeping difficulties and stress, and consider the bigger holistic picture of your health and wellbeing. For example, there may be connections between your mental health and any other conditions you have or other medications you are taking. They can also refer you to other mental health services and sources of support.
Perinatal Mental Health Team
This is a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals who provide individualised assessment, treatment and monitoring for people affected by severe mental health conditions during the perinatal period. Find out more here at CPFT website (opens in a new tab). Other areas have their own local PMHTs – search online to find your local one.
If you feel you would benefit from assessment or treatment with this team, discuss this with a midwife, health visitor or GP.
Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service
The Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service (opens in a new tab) provides support for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties following the loss of a baby. Loss for any reason at any gestation or within first year of life within the past two years. Professional referrals accepted from maternity colleagues, health visiting, healthcare professionals involved in care and GPs.