The ASPEN study, from researchers at King’s College London, explores the context and contributing factors surrounding perinatal suicide attempts.
"Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy and the year after birth (the perinatal period)... Many more women will attempt suicide during the perinatal period, with a worldwide estimated prevalence of 680 per 100,000 in pregnancy and 210 per 100,000 in the year after birth. Qualitative research into perinatal suicide attempts is crucial to understand the experiences, motives and the circumstances surrounding these events..."
Key findings
Three key themes were identified that contributed to perinatal suicide attempts:
- Trauma and adversities - the traumatic events and life adversities with which participants started their pregnancy journeys
- Disillusionment with motherhood - the various challenges brought by pregnancy, birth and motherhood resulting in a decline in women’s mental health
- Entrapment and despair - the factors that lead to a significant deterioration of women’s
mental health, marked by feelings of failure, hopelessness and losing control
This research demonstrates the importance of discussing mental health with new and expectant mothers as identifying warning signs could help to prevent future maternal suicides.
This study also highlights the importance of providing a comprehensive, indepth mental health assessment, and the need for culturally aware and trauma-informed clinical practice to prevent pushing women and birthing people further into isolation and dispair:
"Women need to be validated and reassured by professionals when disclosing these feelings, and be informed that support is available to help them transition into motherhood. Continuity of care throughout the perinatal period, if done with sensitivity and person-centredness, can foster trusting relationship so women feel safe and supported to disclose distressing feelings."
Why is this research relevant to peer supporters?
Peer supporters work hard to build trusting relationships with the parents they support so may well be the first contact where women and birthing people disclose their feelings. Therefore, being aware of the three key themes is cruically important to ensure we can recognise the warning signs and encourage parents to seek further support if we are worried their mental health is in decline.