Feelings of stress and anxiety have intensified for many parents due to social distancing, lockdown and other pandemic measures that have meant being away from family and friends. The right, timely support is essential for parents in the perinatal period — the weeks right before and after birth — which is why many campaigns have been launched across the UK to draw the government's attention to this crucial period.
Parents are supported locally by measures like Pregnancy in Mind, an NSPCC designed preventative mental health service for expectant parents at risk of moderate anxiety and depression.
Their programme includes:
- mindfulness meditation
- active relaxation
- psycho-education and coping skills
- social support
- couple and co-parenting relationship (communication and conflict management)
- awareness-raising of foetal development
A Virtual Pregnancy in Mind model came out in early June to promote consistent delivery of services to parents in need. It focuses on the same six themes mentioned above. Participants who experienced high levels of depression and anxiety before joining the programme showed the greatest improvement. Practitioners were able to provide a useful and working model to deliver skills and expertise virtually.