Maternal mental health and postnatal depression

Mental health conditions are common, more so for pregnant women, new mothers and women who have experienced a pregnancy loss.

Depression during pregnancy is common, affecting more than one in ten mothers. It’s important to talk to your GP or midwife as they know that it affects many women and can discuss treatments.

If you suffered post-natal depression after your pregnancy, you are not alone. Post-natal depression is a common problem, affecting more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. There are many possible symptoms of post-natal depression. They can include extreme anxiety, feelings of panic, inability to concentrate, sleep difficulties and obsessive thoughts. The good news is that post-natal depression is a treatable illness. Any mother who thinks she may be experiencing post-natal depression should see her doctor as soon as possible. There are many different treatments available, including anti-depressant drugs and/or counselling.

You have the same rights to paid sick leave during pregnancy as other employees. If you are not well during your pregnancy you should follow your employer’s normal sickness reporting procedures. Your employer must record any pregnancy-related sickness absence separately from other sick leave, so that pregnancy-related sickness absence is not used as a reason for disciplinary action, dismissal or redundancy.

Your rights

A pregnancy-related illness includes any condition that is linked to your pregnancy, including depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. If you or your employer are unsure, you should seek advice from your GP or midwife and ask them to write to your employer so that your employer is aware that your condition is pregnancy-related.

NEU members’ experiences

Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of respondents to the NEU survey had experienced postnatal depression during the past five years while working in education. However only a quarter (24 per cent) of women felt able to tell their employer or manager.

Women told us of their fears of confidentiality not being respected, and of the potential impact on their future job and career prospects. There were also feelings of stigma and the guilt and shame and denial that accompanied this, making women feel less able to discuss with colleagues.

Several told us that their condition had improved by the time they returned to work and so did not feel the need to tell their employer or colleagues.

Many felt pressured to return to work full time and found that requests for flexible or part time working were refused even though they could have helped with transitioning back to work, balancing work with their new family and coping with depression.

Employers’ duties

We expect employers and line managers to foster a supportive work environment for pregnant women and new mothers. You should be able to disclose your condition and discuss your health without fear of being disadvantaged or discriminated against. A good employer will show empathy and understanding and will implement your right to sick leave if necessary. You should be able to take the right amount of time off sick, particularly if you have needed medical treatment. If you suffer from post-natal depression which is likely to last more than 12 months, the illness may fall within the legal definition of disability, which means you would be protected from discrimination for reasons related to the disability.

Detrimental treatment of you on grounds of your pregnancy loss would be unlawful. For employment advice, you can read our general guidance on maternity rights. There are several support organisations for new mothers who have experienced post-natal depression.

Should you require immediate, confidential support including counselling or coaching related to your condition, you can contact the Education Partnership helpline on 08000 562 561 or at educationsupport.org.uk. For specialist advice and guidance, you can contact the Association for Post Natal Illness.