Why maternal mental health matters, and how we can support each other

This week marks the 10th Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week - a UK-wide campaign dedicated to shining a light on the mental health of mums, before, during and after pregnancy.

At The Wee Hive, this is something we care deeply about. Because behind the photos, the milestones and the “you’re doing amazing” messages,  many mums are quietly struggling. And too often, they’re struggling alone.

We want to help change that across the North East of Scotland by sharing helpful information and resources, as well as important insights from The Wee Hive community. 

Why this week exists

Maternal mental health problems affect up to 1 in 5 women (20%) during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. This can look like:

• Postnatal depression
• Anxiety
• Birth trauma or PTSD
• OCD
• Loneliness and overwhelm

But what’s often less visible is that up to 70% of women may conceal or downplay how they’re really feeling.

That means many mums are struggling quietly - unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal” or feeling like they should just be able to cope.
This week is about making those experiences visible, valid and supported, and reminding mums that they don’t have to go through it alone.

Signs to look out for, in yourself or someone you love

It’s not always obvious, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. But some common signs include:

• Feeling low, numb or tearful most of the time
• Constant worry, racing thoughts or panic
• Struggling to bond with your baby
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Changes in sleep or appetite (beyond the usual newborn chaos)
• Feeling like you’re failing or not “good enough”
• Withdrawing from friends, family or things you used to enjoy

The Maternal Mental Health campaign has a really helpful symptom checker poster - here's the link so you can explore it in your own time.

Local support

If any of this feels familiar, please know support is available locally, and you deserve to access it.

If you’re in Grampian and things don’t feel quite right, support is available through your GP, midwife or health visitor, who can connect you with the right services via NHS Grampian.

If you need to speak to someone sooner, you can also reach out to:

• Breathing Space
• PANDAS Foundation UK
• NHS 24 on 111 if you need urgent support

Taking that first step can feel big, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Even a quick conversation can be the start of feeling a bit more like yourself again.

Helpful online support 

If you’re not ready to speak to someone face-to-face yet, these can be a gentle place to start:

• PANDAS Helpline & Online Support
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance resources
• NHS Inform (Scotland) – trusted info and guidance
• Mind & SAMH – tools for managing anxiety and low mood

Even reading someone else’s experience can be the moment things start to feel a bit lighter.

A message from us, to you

We’re so passionate about supporting this cause because we see just how much pressure mums are under. And we believe no one in our community should feel like they have to struggle through this on their own.

If you’re finding things hard right now, please know:

• You are not alone
• You are not failing
• And support is available when you’re ready

Over the coming week, we’ll be sharing more resources, real stories and ways to connect - all aimed at helping mums across the North East feel seen, supported and less alone.