I’m Ellie – I’m a resident of Coney Hall and I run the Bromley PND Awareness And Support (PANDAS) support group.
I don’t know about you, but I found becoming a parent completely overwhelming and I felt so mentally and emotionally unprepared for it. On top of that, my mental health declined rapidly when my baby was just a few weeks old. It was the toughest experience of my life, but with support from family, friends, doctors and mental health teams, as well as PANDAS Foundation – a national charity that supports everyone and anyone who is a parent (or about to be one) – I
am recovering well, so much so I have just had my second baby!
Although I was diagnosed with a perinatal mental health condition, it’s not always about diagnosis; becoming a parent is hard! Pregnancy and birth can be tough, and then overnight your life can feel like it’s turned upside down and you have a huge adjustment to your new role.
It can feel relentless and exhausting, and we can end up questioning ourselves in so many ways and feeling a loss in identity (Google “Matrescence” or “Patrescence” for more about this). All of these things, and many more, are so normal – and these are the kind of things we talk about and share at our group.
I set up Bromley PANDAS last year and am so glad I did. Together with our group attendees, we’ve created a safe, relaxing space where we can share, listen, talk, laugh, cry, express any emotion and ultimately support each other. We’re here for any mum, dad, birthing parent, co-parent, grandparent – the list goes on. Reach out to me with any questions and I hope to meet you soon!
Pregnant & new parents support group
A calm & inclusive community for expectant, new & not-so-new parents, carers & relatives for before and after baby’s arrival.
You could be having a tough day, you could be struggling with how you’re feeling or you may just want to keep on top of your mental health.
No limit as to when you had your child – all ages and stages of parenthood welcome.
FREE
Every 2nd & 4th Tues of the month 19:00 – 20:30
SJ’s, 56 Croydon Road, West Wickham BR4 9HU
No need to book – just drop in. Keep up-to-date with any session changes and latest info on our socials: Facebook, and Instagram
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 