From Anna Ceesay:

This week marks Maternal Mental Health Matters Week (April 29 to May 5). As a mum-of-two who experienced low mood and anxiety, I was left feeling unable to cope during my second pregnancy. I realised how prevalent mental health issues are amongst parents and how difficult it can be to ask for help.

Our recent research shows that over half (54%) of mums with children aged five and under have felt anxious since having a child, 45% have felt low, and over a third (35%) depressed. Worse still, many face these challenges alone, not able to tell others about their feelings.

While I was lucky enough to get the help I needed, I found the information about mental wellbeing quite fragmented. This led me to set up Motherdom (available through motherdom.co.uk and in selected WHSmith stores) a magazine for parents which attempts to fill that gap.

Asking for help is by no means a sign of weakness. It is often the strongest thing you can do. By speaking out I hope we are able to let people know they are not alone.

Founding Editor of Motherdom