Radio 4 programme - A Mother's Mind

[jessieh]

Hello all,

I just wanted to share a link to this Radio 4 programme that I and two other brave ladies were interviewed for, talking about our experiences of postpartum psychosis.

You can listen here: bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001cbf

"An exploration of postpartum psychosis through the stories of three women whose lives were profoundly impacted following childbirth."

If you are sensitive to this triggering difficult memories, please consider whether this is for you. Or perhaps listen with someone who you can talk to afterwards.

I'm so glad we were given this opportunity on Radio 4 to raise awareness of the illness.

Jessie xx

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Jessieh

Thanks for posting the link which I heard when it was first aired. Such brave women for sharing. In a way it made me feel easier about my first PP as I did a similar thing to the first lady here many years ago but thought it was too shocking to share, as she did.

I'm sure it will be very helpful if other recovering mums feel they can listen but I found it upsetting in parts, especially to hear a dad very emotionally say, "The sad bits are really sad ....."

It's so good to hear the different experiences, talking with family and friends or alone. Well done for raising awareness to help other mums who might be suffering in silence as I did before psychosis took over. Thankfully I eventually recovered, twice, but not before experiencing a long bout of depression the second time.

PP mus are amazing ...... a great achievement ladies

Best wishes. xx

[jessieh APP in reply to Lilybeth]

Thanks for your reply, Lilybeth.

Yes that part with the dad was my partner talking. It certainly was difficult to hear. I was also glad he shared it though, as I really didn't have much of an idea of what it was like for him - he doesn't really talk about it.

For me the part that really got me was when Amy's mum talks about crying on the way home to her mum. It made me think about what it must have been like for my mum. But then it was nice to hear that Amy's mum also looked forward to going in the next next. Such a mix of emotions it brings.

Agreed that PP mums are amazing.

Best wishes,

Jessie xXx

[Lilybeth Volunteer in reply to jessieh]

Hi Jessieh

That must have been very difficult to hear your partner in the programme. Partners don't really talk about how it was for them but it must have been very difficult to see how we changed as PP took over. Years ago my husband unfortunately had a breakdown during my recovery from my second episode, so the tables were turned as I was visiting him in hospital.

I found the conversations reminded me of how emotional it was for my family. Apparently when I was in the Accident Hospital following my first PP my mom visited me every day during her lunch break, which I wasn't aware of as I was 'switched off'. From there I was eventually admitted to the asylum and my family were there. I vividly remember my mom saying loudly, "She shouldn't be in here, she's only had a baby!" and her words seemed to bounce off the grey walls surrounding me. For fear I would be judged due to stigma in those days my family never spoke of my episodes, so I didn't know my diagnoses until I met Prof Ian Jones and some of his team a few years ago.

It was a great broadcast and is always so good to be in the company of such amazing brave women, all with a unique story to share .... and I was very fortunate to fully recover.

Best wishes, take care. xXx

[NanaJudith_APP_Vol Volunteer]

Dear Jessieh, I too heard the programme when it was broadcast.

Brave ladies, well done.

Best wishes

Judith