Being pregnant and having a baby is thought of as a happy and exciting time. However, for some women and new parents, it doesn't always feel this way and can be an extremely overwhelming experience.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives, it’s a difficult time to be having a baby. With less support groups, increased health worries and less contact with loved ones, we're here to help you cope during this stressful transition.
How are you feeling?
It’s completely normal to not be feeling as happy and able to cope as you thought you would. Some pregnant women and new parents experience feeling:
- Sad and low
- Tearful for no apparent reason
- Worthless
- Hopeless about the future
- Tired
- Unable to cope
- Irritable and angry
- Guilty
- Anxious
- Unsupported
You may also have intrusive or worrying thoughts and be struggling emotionally at this time, which can happen to anyone.
It’s important for you to know that experiencing these feelings doesn’t mean that you are failing as a parent. You’re dealing with a life-changing event and we all need some support sometimes. As you look after your growing family, we’ll help to look after you.
Who does it affect
As many as one in five women experience emotional difficulties during pregnancy and in the first year after having a baby. You’re not alone and we can help you.
Partners and fathers may also be struggling to cope and not know what to do to make things better for themselves or their partner.
We’re here to support you as you adjust to your growing family and help you to cope with the pressures of parenthood, as well as supporting your partner.
We understand that this is an enormous transition bringing with it changes to your relationship. We can help you to work through this change together and find coping mechanisms that work for your family.
Should I talk to my friends and family?
As parents you may be finding it difficult to talk to each other about how you are feeling, particularly if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Try to confide in a friend or a close family member, someone you can trust, so you can seek help as soon as possible.
How TALKWORKS can help?
At TALKWORKS our staff are trained professionals who are here to help you understand how your thoughts and feelings are affecting you.
We are open to anyone over the age of 18 - no matter what your gender, sexuality, age or race. We can provide you with talking therapies and coping strategies to help you through this life-changing period. TALKWORKS is a free and confidential service, here to help you through a difficult period of your life.
Despite the pandemic, our dedicated teams based across Devon and Torbay are still here to help you through this difficult time. Due to COVID-19 and in line with national guidance, we’re currently offering our services over the telephone and through online platforms, including Attend Anywhere video consultations, meaning you’re able to access our service conveniently from your own home.
Wellbeing for Parenthood Workshops
***Please note our Wellbeing For Parenthood workshops are in the process of being updated and are therefore currently unavailable at this time***
Get in touch
Please don’t feel that you have to struggle in silence. The sooner you take the next step and contact us, the sooner we can help you to feel like ‘you’ again.
Complete our Self-referral form below or if you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone, or make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.