Specialist mental health services for expectant and new mothers are to launch in Harrow soon.

The new service launched today as one in 10 women experience mental health illness during pregnancy or the first year following birth.

The specialist service will identify and cater to individual needs and will see the teams working closely with therapists and voluntary services to ensure joined-up care.

It was launched by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in a number of west London boroughs, including Harrow, Brent, Hillingdon and Kensington.

Dr Maddalena Miele, CNWL’s Perinatal Clinical Lead, said: “It can be hard to tease out the symptoms of depression from the impact of radical changes in lifestyle that a baby automatically brings.

“Women often feel guilty because they have all they ever wished for and yet they still can’t be happy and often internalise blame for not ‘pulling themselves together’.

“Many suffer in silence and their illness remains untreated for years, often with devastating consequences.”

Women will be able to receive support and care for various conditions including depressions, anxiety and complex mental health issues. dealing with all levels of severity.