The Duchess of Cambridge has said no mother is “immune to experiencing anxiety and depression” in a charity video message.
The mother-of-three warned it was crucial for those “struggling” to be given the “right support at the right time”.
Kate, 40, also urged society to play its part in supporting struggling mothers, saying everyone needed to help “parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today”.
She made the plea in a video message recorded to mark her new appointment to the role of patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA).
The role, announced during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which ends on Sunday, will see Kate raise awareness of the “fantastic organisation” which helps support women’s mental health.
The MMHA is a UK-wide charity and network of more than 100 organisations, whiich helps women and families affected by perinatal mental health problems.
In her video, the duchess said the week was about the “power and importance of connection” and how the past two years had reminded everyone about the role of relationships in long-term health and happiness, especially at the start of life for infants.
She added: “But we all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child’s life can be hugely demanding. Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years.
“Around 20 per cent of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. 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 judgment and can access the information, care and support they need to recover.”
The MMHA’s Everyone’s Business campaign is calling for all women in the UK who experience mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy to receive the care and support their families need.
The charity says around one in five women develop a mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early years after having a baby.
Kate went on to highlight how charities have been working together to raise awareness about these issues: “Much of this vital work has been led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a fantastic organisation of which I am extremely proud to become patron of today.
“There is plenty more to be done. And it’s down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today.”
Luciana Berger, former MP and chair of the MMHA which was founded in 2011, said “the duchess’s longstanding dedication to the early years and keen interest in mental health marry beautifully with the alliance’s mission”.
