KATE Middleton has said no parent is “immune” to feeling overwhelmed after having a baby, as she marked Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week yesterday.
The Duchess of Cambridge told how parents often feel “lonely” and “overwhelmed” once they have a child and said that it was a challenge that should not be faced alone.
Mum-of-three Kate, 40, who was yesterday made a Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, said around twenty per cent of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness.
She added : “Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence.
“No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time.
“It is crucial, therefore, that all those who might be struggling are given the right support at the right time, so that they’re able to share these feelings without fear of judgement and can access the information, care and support they need to recover.”
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Maternal Mental Health Alliance is a UK wide charity which brings together over 100 organisations to offer women and families affected by perinatal mental health challenges access to high quality, comprehensive care and support.
Kate made the address to mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week which ran this week (2nd-8th) to highlight the importance of supporting the mental health needs of women and their families throughout and beyond pregnancy.
She added: “It’s down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today.
“Because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier and more nurturing society which benefits us all.”
