Supporting employees experiencing Perinatal Mental Health Issues « PATH

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

A perinatal mental health problem may be experienced any time from becoming pregnant to a year after giving birth. Having a baby is a significant event in life, and it’s normal to feel a range of emotions. However, when difficult feelings start to cause bigger issues, this could be a perinatal mental health problem. More than 1 in 10 women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or the first year after having a baby. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy, but if left untreated, mental health issues can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman, the child, and the wider family.

Find out more on our page “What is perinatal mental illness“

Mind – Postnatal Depression and Perinatal Mental Health

NHS England

Who is affected?

Mums and Dads
Family members
First time parents
Existing parents
Employers
Friends
Colleagues

What impact can work have on Perinatal Mental Health?

The everyday pressures of work may have an impact on perinatal mental health and it’s important for employers to look out for these signs

Stress/pressures of work can add to stress/pressures at home
Anxiety around returning to work after maternity leave
Anxiety/feelings of guilt around leaving the baby to go to work
Tiredness/exhaustion/lack of sleep
Difficulty balancing work/life commitments
Feeling distanced from colleagues
Feelings of isolation

How can employers support employees experiencing Perinatal Mental Health issues?

Being aware of perinatal mental illness and what to look out for is a great start. You can browse our training, information and resources on the PATH website for advice. Take a look at our Parental Workplace Wellbeing Recommendations, and take the first steps towards becoming a PATH Parent-Friendly Employer

Encourage conversations around mental health and create a culture of openness in your organisation. This will help to reduce the stigma around mental health
Regularly check in with your employees – a simple “how are you doing” could make a big difference
Don’t be afraid of difficult conversations
Embrace flexible working and encourage your employees to prioritise their wellbeing
Ensure your employees have access to information and resources around perinatal mental health – our Families Hub is a great place to start
Stay in touch with your employees while they’re on parental leave. See our guide on Keeping in Touch days
Communication – find out what your employee wants and what support they would like. Every parent is different and will have different preferences. Our employee wellbeing plan can help you have these conversations