"This service has been vital to me."

I unexpectedly developed pre-natal depression quite severely early on in my pregnancy. This was quite a shock to myself and my family as previously despite always being anxious I have never had any serious periods of mental health. A midwife at my first appointment asked how I felt and immediately detected how unwell I was referring my to the Perinatal Antenatal team in Lanarkshire who have been absolutely invaluable to me and my family.

I was quickly triaged and accepted as a patient and had one of the CPN nurses visit me at home. This to me was like being visited by an angel at a point in my life when I felt so low and frightened yet should have felt happy. I learned from the team that this was more common than I thought and began to accept how I felt and work on my recovery. I have been given support with my medication, treatments and been referred to other services and professionals when required. 

The girls in the team have often went over and above their role to support me getting back to a ‘functioning’ life adjusting your motherhood and going back to work. From the Secretary to the the nurses and Team Leader I have received nothing but exceptional care and support without stigma or judgement. 

As a new service I feel grateful that the team have been there at a time when I desperately needed them. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic I have continued to receive support via telephone and video and even received a self care pack with excellent resources and items like moisturiser and a face mask which again I am very grateful to receive. 

I cannot thank the perinatal mental health team enough. This service has been vital to me and I am delighted that there is help for women in my area suffering from mental health during and after pregnancy.