Using therapeutic art practice to address the continuing escalation of perinatal mental ill health

Perinatal mental health illness continues to escalate, with several frequently reported conditions. Compounding the situation is the belief that a significant number of the perinatal population do not seek support and a proportion of those affected by perinatal mental health illness continue to live with an undiagnosed or misdiagnosed disorder. This indicates that current services are not effectively meeting the needs of this vulnerable group and there is a need for a new approach. This article will review the impact of perinatal mental health illness and discuss the enablers and barriers to address the challenges entailed. The article culminates with the suggestion of an alternative and novel approach of therapeutic creative art practice to support those affected by perinatal mental health illness.