NHS - DPT Partnership
Following national guidance we are open to all referrals offering initial assessment appointments and follow up sessions on the telephone or through digital platforms. For advice on coping with COVID-19 please read our advice page here. A priority service is also being offered to all NHS, Social Care and Police workers. Please click here to get in touch.

Parental support for mental health

We're here to help you

Perenatal_Postnatal_Support_Information_Guide_SGP2444
Are you pregnant or a new parent?

Being pregnant and having a baby is usually thought of as a happy and exciting time. However, we know that for some women and new parents it does not necessarily feel this way, and can be an extremely overwhelming experience.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact so many areas of our lives, it’s a difficult time to be pregnant or a new parent. With less support groups, increased health worries and less contact with loved ones, you’re likely to feel like there is more of a strain on you. We're here to help you to 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.

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.

To get in touch with us:

complete our online self-referral form

If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone, or make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.

Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”

Mood Quiz

How are you feeling?

Take our Mood Quiz to help you understand if how you’re feeling is affecting your mental wellbeing. The self-assessment quiz is not designed to replace a consultation with your GP or other healthcare professional. However, if after taking the quiz you have concerns about your mental wellbeing please get in touch with us and we can help you or alternatively, contact your GP for an appointment.