My Story -PP then depression and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder!

[Tania1]

In Jan 2008 I had a beautiful Son, but became ill shortly thereafter and developed Peurperal Pyschosis. Expected to have the best time of my life something my husband and I had longed for, but yet this turned into a nightmare which was real.

Stayed in Mother & Baby Unit for two months and then discharged, not fully well but on the road to recovery. Had a couple of weeks at home but things started to deteriorate quite quickly and fell into deep depression. I readmitted myself back into MBU where I stayed for a further 5 months.

I had to have ECT (11 sessions) which kick started me back into better health. I was eventually diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

Left MBU in Sept 2008 and had a little time at home before going back to full time employment in Nov 2008. 4 Years on I am well and off medication and finally got my life back.

Sad though it may be, I decided with my husband that I could never go through this again as the risks would be very high, so no more children. We are making the most of being a family.

Our saying throughout everything was “Onwards & Upwards" –you do get well even though you don’t think it at the time!

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your story, and am happy to hear you made a recovery, and are now enjoying life to the full.

What was your experience of the MBU you stayed in?

[JenniferM]

Thank you for sharing a piece of your story. I too had PPP. Although I had no previous history of mental illness before PPP, I too was ultimately given a bipolar disorder, postpartum onset, diagnosis. It has been a long and difficult journey to recovery but thankfully, all has been well for the last 6 years. I live in the USA, where the mental health system is in need of much reform. Sadly, we only have 2 or 3 mother baby units in the country. Thankfully, there are many wonderful people and organizations striving to make changes in perinatal mental health and beyond. Thank you so much for your post.

[andrea_at_app Volunteer APP in reply to JenniferM]

Hi JenniferM, I find it shocking that there're so few M&B units in the USA when they're just so vital. I feel for women who don't have access to one or there's a delay in a bed being available - just awful! I really hope things improve soon & yes, with all the wonderful people & organisations, this will happen!

[andrea_at_app Volunteer APP]

Hi Tania1, thank you for sharing your story, it always amazes me how strong we are & what we can endure. I love your line, 'Our saying throughout everything was “Onwards & Upwards" –you do get well even though you don’t think it at the time!' Thanks for giving hope to others who may be struggling.