The world needs to see postnatal depression in the same way, and parents need to see
postnatal depression in the same way. It’s not your fault and it doesn’t make you a crappy
person or a crappy parent; it’s something in your brain that you can’t control but you can
try and fix if you ask for help.
And to all the people who were in my life at that time – please don’t feel bad. I tricked you
all. I didn’t ask for help or tell you I was struggling. I’d suffered enough pity with my new
label as a ‘Single Mum’ and I certainly didn’t want to add ‘Depressed’ to that title. You all
helped, in your own ways; by telling me the gossip at work, by buying me a drink and
telling me your problems to distract me from mine, and by just being my friend.
And to my daughter’s dad – I don’t blame you either. Well, maybe just a bit! Only joking.
Kind of. It was hard for both of us in different ways but we’re getting to the other side now.
I didn’t know back then that it was all going to be ok but it really is and I’m grateful for
everything.
Now, I really am fine.
A simple low-cost solution
We’re demanding better six week postnatal check-ups so that all new mothers with a
mental health problem can access the treatment available.
82% of new mothers we surveyed who had been treated for a mental health problem said
that the treatment had helped.
Treatment can include counselling, medication, online therapy or peer support.
Sometimes, family support under the watchful eye of a GP can be enough to get a
woman through. If you are worried about your emotional wellbeing, you should talk to
your GP, health visitor or midwife about how you are feeling.
Please support our campaign by emailing your MP here