9 February 2023

Rob runs the Brighton Marathon for APP

We're delighted that Rob Rowe has chosen to support APP with his first ever full length marathon run.  He'll be taking on the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 2nd April and he's currently training hard to be ready for the big day.

Rob tells us why he chose to support APP, and what a positive impact running has had on his mental health:

"I began running more regularly in 2020 as an effort to stay fit during lockdown and to improve my mental health; I quickly noticed a big difference and have been hooked ever since. I've set myself goals each year in order to push myself further which resulted in running 1,500km in 2022 whilst completing my first organised half marathon.

I want to challenge myself even further in 2023 by running a full marathon whilst raising money for a charity that works for a cause close to my heart. APP was the obvious choice for me as someone that has experienced Postpartum Psychosis through a loved one and has seen first hand the affect it can have, and how much help APP provides to those affected."

Find out more and add your support to keep Rob going all the way to the finish line: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rob-rowe6 

Fancy joining Rob and giving the Brighton Marathon a go for APP? You have until the end of February to register for a place - click here for more info.

27 January 2023

January 2023 newsletter

New year challenges for APP

Are you looking for a challenge in 2023? There are so many ways you can support APP in this year – from skydives and bungee jumps to inflatable obstacle fun runs, marathons, duathlons, ultras, cycle rides and so much more!

You could get a group of friends, family or colleagues together and complete an event as a team or go solo and take on a personal challenge.

We now have access to hundreds of races, fun runs, jumps, rides and other events all over the country (and even overseas if you fancy it!)

Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking…

  • Winter Warmer runs – 5k, 10k and half marathon options taking place throughout February in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Richmond, Milton Keynes.
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10k or half marathon – 5th March - a road closed half marathon and 10k starts and finishes at the home of the 2012 London Olympics.
  • Colchester Zoo Stampede 10k – 14th May - a unique opportunity to run a 10k that starts in the heart of the Zoo - between the rhinos, elephants, giraffes and zebras!
  • Hull Half Marathon - 11th June - This new half marathon features a thrilling city centre start and finish and a largely flat course, offering great PB potential.
  • ASICS London 10k – 9th July - Dash past iconic central London sights Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames in a 10K race to remember.
  • Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival 5k and 10K – 24th July - one for our supporters in Northern Ireland, a closed roads event starting and finishing within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle.

These are just a few of the hundreds of races and activities we have access to – or of course you can come up with your own challenge as part of our Miles for Mums and Babies campaign.

  • Registration fees and fundraising targets vary depending on the event, so let us know if you’re interested in any of these and we’ll give you the full details.
  • Got an idea already, ready to sign up, or want us to inspire you? Contact fundraising@app-network.org – we’re here to support you through your training and to help you reach your fundraising goals.

A huge thank you to the fundraisers who have already got 2023 off to an amazing start - Rachel Evans has been running every single day this month, covering a total of 90miles; Hannah Galloway has cycled over 100km on her static bike and Lee Smith and his sister Donna completed 100,000 steps in 24 hours on 2nd Jan (just one of his amazing 12 challenges for APP!). A massive thank you to them and to everyone who has supported them in their challenges.

Health Professional Training

workforce training in postpartum psychosisBook now for APP’s one-day postpartum psychosis training and take advantage of our early-bird rate.

The online training is led by APP's expert trainers, including:

  • Professor Ian Jones (Professor of Psychiatry, world-leading academic in postpartum psychosis, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist);
  • Dr Sally Wilson (National Training Lead at Action on Postpartum Psychosis);
  • Dr Jessica Heron (APP Chief Executive and Senior Research Fellow in Perinatal Psychiatry at Birmingham University)

The workshop is suitable for any health professionals working with pregnant and postnatal women and families. It draws upon cutting-edge research into PP and bipolar disorder as well as the real experiences of women and families.

The course develops knowledge and confidence in identifying postpartum psychosis, managing risk, developing pregnancy and postnatal management plans and supporting women and families during recovery.

Dates: Wednesday 15th February or Monday 27th March 2023. Early bird rate: £165 until 1st February (normal price £195)

Find out more and book: https://bit.ly/APPTraining2023

Antenatal class campaign

APP National Training Coordinator, Sally Wilson, attended The International Journal of Birth and Parent Education Conference on 23rd January, hosted by the University of Worcester, to share information about our campaign: ‘Let's talk about postpartum psychosis in antenatal classes’.

A YouGov survey carried out by APP showed that only 6% of expectant parents were given information about postpartum psychosis at their antenatal classes. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK. Rapid access to specialist perinatal treatment supports the best outcomes for mum, baby and family. We’re campaigning for information about PP to be shared at every antenatal class in the UK.

As well as highlighting APP’s campaign, Sally met lots of passionate antenatal education providers at the event and heard talks from Sally Hogg from the Parent-Infant Foundation, Dr Mary Nolan, Emerita Professor of Perinatal Education, and Lorna Philips, founder of Black Mamas Birth Village.

Email us to receive updates about our campaign, training and free resources:
app@app-network.org.

Pamper Packs to Mother and Baby Units

APP’s team delivered 350 festive Pamper Packs to the UK’s 22 Mother and Baby Units (MBUs) in December 2022.

The packs are the idea of APP volunteer Gemma and her husband Stephen and are designed to provide a small boost to mothers who are unwell and away from family over Christmas. Each bag contained items donated by Walgreen Boots Alliance as well as APP’s peer support information.

We’re very grateful to Boots for their support - and to our new staff member, Rachel, for her hard work in organising delivery of the packs.

Pictured above, APP’s Peer Support Facilitator Jocelyn and Louise Sargeson, Assistant Occupational Therapist, dropping off the packs at Ribblemere Mother and Baby Unit.

Dr Margaret Oates

The APP team was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the hugely inspirational Dr Margaret Oates who has done so much to improve care for women and families affected by postpartum psychosis in the UK.

Read more about our memories of Margaret Oates.

Media and books

APP National Coordinator Hannah Bissett and fundraiser Lee were on BBC Radio Newcastle on 9th January (listen here from 11.15). They talked about APP’s MBU and antenatal campaigns, as well as Lee’s year-long challenge to raise awareness of PP. Lee’s story also featured on Chronicle live.

APP Chief Executive, Dr Jess Heron talked to the Guardian on 15th January highlighting concern about a recent increase in bereaved family members contacting the charity following the death by suicide of a relative after postpartum psychosis.

APP also worked on a Guardian piece about the need for more Mother and Baby Units especially in underserved areas of the UK, featuring APP volunteer Toni and the family of Orlaith Quinn.

APP’s Media Consultant, Lucy Nichol, has published her new book. Snowflake: Breaking Through Mental Health Stereotypes and Stigma exposes harmful mental health stereotypes and includes a section on postpartum psychosis.

Book Club

APP’s next virtual book club meet-up will be on Tuesday 31st January, 8-9pm. We'll discuss Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency by Stacey Dooley.

You can reserve a place here.

Research studies currently recruiting

Hallucinations in early motherhood study
Charlotte Close, a Trainee Clinical Psychologist at Coventry University, is looking for women who have experienced hallucinations in early motherhood to take part in her research. She would like to understand the impact of hallucinations on the experience of mothering. The study is open to women aged 18 or over, who had hallucinations in pregnancy or up to one year postnatally (in the past five years) and who have not had hallucinations in the last month. Contact Charlotte at: closec2@uni.coventry.ac.uk.

New psychological intervention to support women and families who have experienced postpartum psychosis
A research team at the University of East Anglia, led by Dr Jo Hodgekins, would like to talk to women and families to understand their experiences of recovery from PP. If you have lived experience of PP – or are a family member of someone who has – then you can take part. The research team is interested in learning more about what ‘recovery’ means to people with lived experience of psychosis and their families and the kinds of issues people would like additional support with, and what this support might look like. For more information email: j.hodgekins@uea.ac.uk.

Inpatient hospital stays for women with postpartum psychosis
Helen Allen, a PhD student at Bournemouth University, is planning research exploring the experiences of inpatient hospital stay during postpartum psychosis. She will be recruiting women with lived experience to help shape her research. For more information, including details of how to become involved, please email Helen at: helena@bournemouth.ac.uk.

If you are a researcher and would like us to support your research, please get in touch at an early stage in planning: research@app-network.org.

Dates for your diary

  • APP Book Club virtual meeting, Tuesday 31st January: Book here.
  • APP Black Country face-to-face café group meet up, Wednesday 1st February.
  • APP Lancashire & South Cumbria face-to-face café group meet up in Lancaster, Wednesday 8th February.
  • APP Yorkshire virtual café group meet up, Thursday 9th February
  • APP Lancashire & South Cumbria face-to-face café group meet up in Blackpool, Friday 10th February.
  • APP Lancashire & South Cumbria virtual café group meet up, Monday 13th February.
  • APP Dads and co-parents virtual café group meet up, Wednesday 15th February.
  • APP Lancashire & South Cumbria face-to-face café group meet up in Preston, Friday 17th February.
  • APP North East and Cumbria face-to-face café group meet up, Monday 27th February

To find out more visit our peer support page.

Upcoming conferences and events

Perinatal Mental Health Conference, Wednesday 1st March
The theme of this in-person conference is ‘breaking barriers’ and will highlight the perinatal mental health experiences of women and families from seldom-heard communities. Details of this Maternal Health Foundation event and the link to book tickets are here.

Meaningful Conversation - Telling stories: the brain, trauma and creativity, Wednesday 8th March
Free online event featuring experts on the brain, creativity and storytelling talking about the effects of telling stories and being creative on the brain and mental health. Register here.

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Show, Thursday 11th May
More than 60 charities, organisations and companies will be promoting their resources, services and initiatives designed to support positive mental health and wellbeing at Cardiff City Hall. 50% discount with code MHWYear (before 31st January). Book tickets here.

If you would like to advertise your event here, please get in touch.

Sign up to receive updates

Joining the APP Network is a brilliant way to…
  • Find out how you can help mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP)
  • Receive our newsletters with information about our projects and research into PP
  • Be a part of a national network of people who have been affected by PP
  • Hear about events, workshops, conferences and opportunities to take part in research studies
  • Help us to change things for the future
Click here to sign up to the APP Network
18 January 2023

Rachel runs every day for APP

To get January 2023 off to a flying start, Rachel Evans, one of APP's fantastic team of peer supporters, has taken on the challenge of running every day this month as part of a Miles for Mums and Babies Challenge.

She's aiming to cover 90 miles in total - a number that's important to her as it's 45 miles each way from her home to Winchester Mother and Baby Unit (MBU).  This time six years ago, Rachel was admitted to Winchester MBU with PP when her baby was less than a week old.

A 90 mile round trip is a long way but many women have to travel even further in order to be treated at an MBU where they can be with their baby. Rachel says 'Today I had a good running cry to myself thinking that 45 miles is nothing compared to the distance some women have to travel to get the chance of being treated and supported in a safe place with their baby. In a place that’s right for them - a Mother and Baby Unit.'

Rachel is fitting in her runs around work and children and knows it won't be easy but is inviting anyone local to join her on her routes if they want to.

She's already smashed her fundraising target and is still out running every day, whatever the weather. We're all really proud of you Rachel!

Read more about Rachel's story and add your support for her January Miles for Mums and Babies Challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachel-Evans4545 

If you fancy taking on your own Miles for Mums and Babies Challenge, find out more here, or contact fundraising@app-network.org 

10 January 2023

In memory of Margaret Oates

Here at APP we have all been deeply saddened to hear of the death of the hugely inspirational Dr Margaret Oates.

A Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist at Queen’s Medical College, Nottingham, Dr Oates made significant strides in perinatal mental health care, positively impacting many women and families in the UK and beyond. Indeed, so significant is her legacy that there are two MBUs named after her - one in Nottingham and one in East London.

Dr Giles Berrisford, APP Trustee said:

“Dr Margaret Oates OBE has been an enormous inspiration to many throughout her life. She dedicated her working life to improving the lives of women and families affected by perinatal mental illnesses. She recognised the importance of the obstetric pathway and the psychiatric pathway working together, so that no women are left behind. She led to the opening of the Mother and Baby unit in Nottingham which is now one of two eponymously named MBUs in England – the other being in Homerton, East London

Dr Oates worked tirelessly to influence national policy– changing and shaping maternal mental health forever. She was the 1st Chair of the Clinical Reference Group for perinatal mental health for NHS Specialised Commissioning, advising on how MBUs should be commissioned.

The expansion of services around the UK since 2016 is a direct legacy of Dr Oates’s inspirational work. She has inspired many to pursue careers and to develop services in perinatal mental health. We have a lot to be very thankful to Dr Margaret Oates for and she will be greatly missed.”

Dr Oates was the pioneer behind the sub specialty of perinatal psychiatry and set up the specialist faculty within the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She was also responsible for developing the work of the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in relation to mental health, identifying the impact of mental illness on the mortality of women during pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

She also established a series of ‘red flag’ warning signs to enable healthcare professionals to identify women at risk of perinatal mental illness, and established the Perinatal Quality Network as part of the College Centre for Quality Improvement, embedding lived experience at the heart of the system.

Dr Jess Heron, APP CEO said:

“Dr Oates worked with the same zeal and dogged determination whether she was addressing care inadequacies for an individual woman or putting systems in place which would improve the care of all women with severe postnatal mental illness.

She worked hard to ensure that perinatal mental illness and suicide were included in the confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, giving us a clearer picture as to the devastating impact of PP - and other serious mental health problems - on the lives of women and families nationally.

Her advocacy and truly anarchic approach has undoubtedly saved lives, and we her legacy will live on for generations to come”.

Members of our volunteer community who have been personally supported by Dr Oates have also shared their words and memories, including Cheryl McAulay-Wainwright who said:

“I first met Margaret in 2004 when I was suffering with postpartum psychosis. Margaret was my consultant at the time and I will be forever be deeply grateful for the care that she provided me. Her smile was warming and made me feel safe and at home. It was during a time where I had lost myself - and she helped me find me again.
I went on to work within the Hopewood Mother and Baby Unit when it was first opened and was named after Margaret Oates. I was lucky enough to spend time working alongside her colleagues who would often talk about what a presence Margaret was and the huge developments she made for National Perinatal services and the care that women received.
I wouldn't be where I am today without the care that Margaret and her team gave to me.
Dr Margaret Oates OBE is a true inspiration and will be missed by the women and children she cared for and of course many more.”

Our thoughts are with Dr Oates’ family. We will never forget all that she has done in the field of perinatal psychiatry and beyond.

5 January 2023

New year, new challenge?

There are so many ways you can challenge yourself for APP in 2023 – from skydives and bungee jumps to inflatable obstacle fun runs, marathons, duathlons, ultras, cycle rides and so much more!

You could get a group of friends, family or colleagues together and complete an event as a team, or go solo and take on a personal challenge.

We now have access to hundreds of races, fun runs, jumps, rides and other events all over the country (and even overseas if you fancy it!)

Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking…

  • Winter Warmer runs – 5k, 10k and half marathon options taking place throughout February in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Richmond, Milton Keynes.
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10k or half marathon – 5th March - a closed road half marathon and 10k starts and finishes at the home of the 2012 London Olympics.
  • Colchester Zoo Stampede 10k – 14th May - a unique opportunity to run a 10k that starts in the heart of the Zoo - between the rhinos, elephants, giraffes and zebras!
  • Hull Half Marathon - 11th June - This new half marathon features a thrilling city centre start and finish and a largely flat course, offering great PB potential.
  • ASICS London 10k – 9th July - Dash past iconic central London sights Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames in a 10K race to remember.
  • Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival 5k and 10K – 24th July - one for our supporters in Northern Ireland, a closed roads event starting and finishing within the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle.

Sarah, who completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon for APP last October said "I wanted the challenge of getting fitter, losing a bit of weight and regular running for good mental health.  What better way to achieve this than the challenge of a half marathon to raise money for APP, a charity very close to my heart. Two birds with one stone!"

Fancy a full-length marathon?

We have access to places in loads of marathons including Barcelona, Brighton, Paris, Newport, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Manchester, Amsterdam, Leeds, Edinburgh, Chester and Yorkshire.

Debbie ran the London Marathon for APP in 2022 and had this to say about it: "The marathon was an amazing experience, one which is hard to describe due to all the highlights – from the support from family and friends, the other runners and the huge crowds shouting everyone's name to the feeling of achievement and thankfulness that it was over  It was fab to see APP in the crowds supporting my fundraising and to meet Fliss afterwards with another medal.  If you doubt your abilities to be able to take part in a challenge – just do it – you can do amazing things."

Cycling more your thing?

Brighton Marathon Bike Ride 2nd April - BM Ride 50km flat ride taking place on closed roads in the centre of Brighton & Hove – suitable for all levels and family friendly!

La Grande Aventure Cycle - 14th June ‐ 18th June - Amsterdam to Lille - Cycle for 4 days, across 3 countries, covering 225 miles, for 1 great cause.

Alice (pictured above) took on a massive challenge for APP in 2022 - she says: “Last year I completed five triathlons in support of APP, finishing with an Olympic distance at the London Tri. The experience of the support and hugging my daughter at the end and being reminded how far I’ve come in recovery was incredible.”

Something different?

Bungee - For anyone feeling brave enough, there are bungee jumps available throughout the year and in beautiful locations over the country - Whitby, Windsor, Bristol, Rotherham, Battersea, Cambridge, Salford, Tatton Park, Brighton, Glasgow, Birmingham.

Skydive - Fancy jumping out of a plane at 10,000ft?! Skydives take place throughout the year all over the UK – locations include St Andrews, Auchterarder, Errol, Coleraine, Swansea, Bridlington, Brigg, Durham, Lancaster, Grange-Over-Sands, Nottingham, Whitchurch, Cambridgeshire, Norwich, Brackley, Maidstone, Salisbury, Old Sarum, Honiton and Cornwall.

Katie, who completed a skydive for us last year said: 'It was absolutely amazing and you must do it once in a lifetime!'

Family Friendly?

Inflatable Fun Runs – 2.5k, 5k, 10k and 15k fun runs around a course involving 17 massive bouncy obstacles! One all the family can join in with. Events take place between April and October in Exeter, Guildford, Kent, Towcester, Leeds, St Albans, Bristol, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Cheshire, West Sussex, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Norfolk, Huntingdon, Warwickshire.

These are just a few of the hundreds of races and activities we have access to – or of course you can come up with your own challenge as part of our Miles for Mums and Babies campaign.

Registration fees and fundraising targets vary depending on the event, so let us know if you’re interested in any of these and we’ll give you the full details.

Got an idea already, ready to sign up, or want us to inspire you?

Contact fundraising@app-network.org – we’re here to support you through your training and to help you reach your fundraising goals.

28 December 2022

APP's online training in postpartum psychosis - early bird rate for 2023

Book now for this one-day training: Managing Severe Mental Illness through pregnancy and working with women and families affected by postpartum psychosis.

The training is led by APP's expert trainers, including:
• Professor Ian Jones (Professor of Psychiatry, leading academic in postpartum psychosis, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist);
• Dr Sally Wilson (National Training Lead at Action on Postpartum Psychosis);
• Dr Jessica Heron (APP Chief Executive and Senior Research Fellow in Perinatal Psychiatry at Birmingham University)

The workshop, held via Zoom, is suitable for any health professionals working with pregnant and postnatal women and families and draws upon cutting-edge research in postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder and the real experiences of women and families.

The course will develop your knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing risk, developing pregnancy and postnatal management plans, identifying early symptoms, and providing high-quality support to women and families from pre-conception to recovery.

📆 Dates: Wednesday 15th February or Monday 27th March 2023
⏲️ Early bird rate: £165 until 22nd January (normal price £195)
🎟 Find out more and book: https://bit.ly/APPTraining2023
✉️ If you have any questions, please email: training@app-network.org

"I thought this training was absolutely excellent. It was invaluable to hear lived experience."

22 December 2022

Arina’s story: "I had so much guilt about being a mother – I hated it when people called me mum."

Looking at my daughter, I was convinced that someone was playing a trick on me. It was as though this vulnerable little baby wasn’t mine. When I looked at her, I felt completely dissociated from her. So when people called me ‘mum’ I was consumed with guilt – because I didn’t feel worthy of being called a mum - I didn’t believe I really was one.

In hindsight, I was already a bit unwell before I gave birth. I’m diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder), so I do struggle a lot with my moods and negative feelings towards myself.

When I think about the last couple of months before giving birth, I was definitely feeling more afraid and less excited than I should have been. My partner, Nicola, was really enthusiastic, decorating the nursery and looking forward to welcoming our new baby in our home. But I just couldn’t get my head into it. By the end of week 37 I broke down to my midwife, telling her that I couldn’t handle it anymore, I couldn’t cope.

After being induced and giving birth, something didn’t feel right. I had my new baby crying on my chest but instead of feeling the love I was hoping to feel, I felt suspicious of her and completely overwhelmed.

When Nic went back to work I really struggled. I had this awful feeling that there was a demon inside of me and I kept thinking what if I do something to hurt me and the baby? What if I’m a killer but I just haven’t killed anyone yet. Because of this, I was terrified of being alone with her and I counted down the hours until the health visitor came so I could put my baby safely in her arms for protection. I never did anything to harm her – but the fear that I might plagued me constantly.

By this point, the crisis team had already come out to assess me, because I was really suicidal. They concluded I should take a hot bath and have a cup of tea. That was their words. But when the health visitor and social worker came, they noticed straight away that I needed help. I was crying my eyes out, rocking back and forth, shaking and trembling. I handed my baby over to them and begged them not to leave me alone with her. They called Nic and asked her to come straight home from work and set about trying to get me some emergency help.

I saw my GP, who said I was so unwell I needed to be admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). And then I was assessed over the phone by a psychiatrist who also said I needed to be admitted. But the crisis team were adamant that I didn’t need admitting – so we spent a whole day battling with the crisis team, asking for help. Finally, a bed was found and I was able to go to an MBU nearby.

Unfortunately, this only marked the beginning of a long battle for care and support.

I was incredibly unwell when I was first admitted. I began believing I might be pregnant again, thinking that the nurses had impregnated me with a syringe. I was suicidal and tried to take my own life. Even so, while I still wasn’t bonding with my baby, I was very slowly progressing day by day. But I felt under pressure to do better and I hated myself for it. Although I was really unwell, they kept talking about sending me home and I kept fighting to stay. I had only been in there for a month, but they eventually told Nic she had to come and take our baby back home which I found odd because we hadn’t had chance to properly bond yet.

Because of this decision, Nic had to leave her job and look after our baby. We had no income. Nobody helped. Nobody kept their promises. We were even told that I should be sent to a general psychiatric ward and if Nic couldn’t look after our baby she would need to go into foster care. I couldn’t understand it. There were six beds in the MBU and only three of them were filled. And we’d only been there a month.

They said I wasn’t making proper use of the service – it was as though they’d lost all hope in me. I’m sure if they let me stay a bit longer I could have got better more quickly.

I didn’t go to an adult ward because they said there were no beds. So I stayed in the MBU for four more weeks, without my baby, and then they discharged me. But I was still very unwell.

Since coming home the crisis team also discharged me (after just two weeks) and we have been left alone to cope. We are still battling, and I still can’t take care of our baby full time and Nic s still unable to work.

I’m trying my hardest mentally and physically, taking all the tablets, and things are improving a little. My new antipsychotics have definitely helped a bit, as I haven’t got the constant darkness hanging over me, and I started going to decider skills therapy which is helpful. But the more stressed I get, the worse the psychosis gets, and the situation we currently find ourselves in is incredibly stressful.

Nic is struggling with her bad back, and has had to give up her job, so I look at her and think she’s like some sort of superhero. She’s so capable, she just keeps going and she’s like my rock. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I just hope we can get some more support so that we can both start to recover and re-build our lives as a family.

 

 

Nicola’s story: "I had to leave my dream job to look after our baby."

My partner, Arina, was only in the MBU for a couple of months when she was discharged. It wasn’t that she was well enough to come home, it was because they said she wasn’t making any progress. Our baby had already been discharged, and I had taken time off work to be a full-time parent. But then when Arina came home as well, I realised that there was no more support available to us and I had to leave my job as an ambulance care assistant – something I had worked so hard for.

It was December when Arina gave birth to our daughter. I hadn’t realised that there was anything wrong at first. Our baby cried a lot, and we were told she had reflux so Arina was naturally anxious and, because I’ve got three older children, I just put it down to it being early days.

Arina had struggled with mental health problems prior to giving birth, and she had been diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder) which is a serious mental health issue that can cause overwhelming, distressing and changeable emotions.

When I was due to return to work after our baby daughter was born, Arina mentioned that she was feeling really anxious. It was New Year’s Day and, because I was expected in work on the 2nd, I contacted Arina’s sister who lived a couple of hours’ drive away to ask if she’d come and stay, which she did. However, she contacted me at work saying she was concerned about Arina who was really struggling and distressed, and she suggested she could take the baby for a couple of nights so that we could get Arina some help.

I reluctantly agreed, and we contacted the crisis team, who came out to see Arina but they weren’t very helpful – simply suggesting that she take a bath, have a cup of tea and get some sleep. But the problem was she couldn’t sleep. And I could see that she was incredibly vulnerable.

We were due a visit from our health visitor so I collected our daughter from Arina’s sister and brought her home. I was at work on the day of the visit, but they called me and said I needed to come home otherwise they would need to remove our daughter. They felt that it was unsafe to leave Arina and the baby alone as they suspected Arina had postpartum psychosis. I went straight home as they tried to find an MBU to get the care Arina clearly needed. However, it was a real struggle because the crisis team maintained that she didn’t need help.

Eventually, we managed to get Arina in to see the GP – she was incredibly anxious by this point. The GP agreed that Arina needed help and, the following day, we finally got the call saying that she could be admitted to the MBU.

Because of Covid, I literally had to drop Arina and my daughter at the MBU door, which was heartbreaking. Leaving your partner and daughter, not knowing how they might settle in or where they were going to sleep, was really difficult. I had also developed a really strong bond with our baby so it was difficult being separated from her as well having previously spent 24 hours a day with her.

The MBU was about a 45 minute drive away from our home as well, so I was having to work full time and travel every day for the one hour a day visit, and it was emotionally and physically draining.

After about a month, I was shocked when the MBU suggested our daughter should come home with me. Arina had mentioned that the MBU staff were still carrying out most of our daughter’s care, and they suggested that Arina needed some time on her own. I was worried because I needed to work to bring the money in, and also because I thought Arina should have the opportunity to bond with our daughter.

I arranged time off work, thinking it was just for a few days but, as time went on, nothing was mentioned about any plans for our daughter to return to the MBU. I was taking her back and forth every day to see Arina and then looking after her the rest of the time on my own.

I had been working with the Ambulance Trust and had only just started the job in the October, so I was devastated at having to take so much time off. Eventually, I was told by the MBU that Arina needed to be referred to an adult psychiatric ward for further treatment but that they couldn’t find a bed, so she would need to come home. We were told at that point that we would get some childcare support to enable me to go back to work part time but nothing materialised.

So, after two months in the MBU, Arina was also home, and I left my job and had to claim benefits to keep us going. Arina applied for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) but that was eight months ago and we still haven’t got it so we are relying on basic benefits – other than £5 a week for baby class. We just feel as though we have been left completely on our own.

It’s quite difficult, as a same sex couple, to access support because everything for partners seemed to be targeted at ‘dads’ or ‘fathers’. I couldn’t see anything that felt it might include me. However, during a conversation with an old friend who I discovered had herself been in an MBU, she told me that she’d seen a story on the APP website about a same-sex couple so I had a look straight away and reached out to Ellie from the peer support team.

Since meeting Ellie, I’ve been put in touch with another female couple and we’ve been in contact regularly, texting back and forth, and it’s been a lifeline. It’s just so good to have someone you can actually relate to.

There are still challenges we are facing because of our situation though. For example, because I’m not on the birth certificate I have to adopt our daughter, so being classed as a full-time parent I currently have the responsibility but not the legal rights, so I can’t even open a bank account for her or register her with a nursery. This is really tough because Arina is still struggling with her mental health as well. And, on the flip side, the social workers have told us that, once I adopt my daughter, they will no longer be able to support us at all – so it feels like a lose-lose situation.

The thing that keeps me going, however, is reading the stories of others, and speaking to Ellie and the couple that APP put me in touch with. While everyone’s experience is different and unique, there is always something you can relate to. It makes such a difference knowing that you’re not alone.

 

21 December 2022

Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year from all of us at APP

A message from APP's Chief Executive, Dr Jessica Heron:

"As 2022 draws to a close, I would like to thank all in our community for their support this year. In what has been a tough year for the nation’s mental health, it has been heartening to see our community pull together. Our fundraisers - which have included health professional teams, volunteers, those we support, as well as families who have lost someone to postpartum psychosis (PP) - have raised almost £65,000 to support our work.

With the help of our volunteers, we provided 1:1 peer support to 235. An average of 234 used our peer support forum each month. We set up new café groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland and worked with volunteers and Third Sector partners to campaign for a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) for NI.

Our five NHS partnership projects provided peer support to more than 270 women and families early in their recovery journey. We extended our diverse communities outreach project with Zebunisa, Ramlah and Shaheda reaching out to Black, Asian and minority ethnic community groups with information about PP. As in previous years, 100% of peer support survey respondents felt less isolated and more supported, and 30% felt the service has saved their life.

2022 was also the year in which we: welcomed our newest Ambassador, author and literary agent, Catherine Cho; placed 30 national media pieces about PP; supported 42 research projects including studies of menopause, and a drug discovery study; launched our campaign for information about PP to be included in antenatal class education; and provided more health professional training through our one-day workshops and lived experiences speakers. Dates of our training workshops for 2023 will be released soon – email us to be the first to know and take advantage of our early bird rates: training@app-network.org 

Our founding mission in 2011 was to reduce maternal suicides caused by PP, reduce the negative impacts of PP and improve outcomes. This year, the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths found that despite increases in rates overall, postpartum psychosis now accounts for far fewer maternal deaths than in previous decades. APP’s survey into care also shows that women feel more satisfied with care, feel safer, with better informed health professionals, than in the previous decade.

I would like to thank all our staff, volunteers, trustees, donors and fundraisers for their hard work and continued support. The lifesaving services we provide are because of your hard work and generosity - your support means so much to us.

The climate for charities is increasingly difficult. We understand that not everyone can support us with donations, but if you are able to give, it will make a real difference to our work: https://bit.ly/SupportAPPThisChristmas

For some women and families, Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time, particularly for those with loved ones spending Christmas in an MBU or struggling with recovery. You are not on our own – APP’s peer supporters are available every day of the year via our Forum. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy festive period”. 

20 December 2022

"Mental health is such a taboo subject in Africa – so finding peer support meant the world to me."

Anon

Mental health is still such a taboo subject in Africa. It’s so hush-hush, and nobody likes to speak about it because people are so fearful of mental health problems. If you do talk about it, people might not believe you, they might think you’re faking it or, in some cases, they might even think you’re possessed.

I was born in the UK but my parents are from Uganda, East Africa, and my husband was born in West Africa. So when I became unwell with postpartum psychosis (PP) some of our wider family really didn’t understand – which is why I see peer support as invaluable.

I ended up being admitted to an MBU after having both of my children. The first time was because I had PP, and the second time it was because I had severe depression.

My first child was born in December 2014. I started to get symptoms of PP not long after the birth. I remember being in my living room and hearing voices, and everything around me seemed to be heightened. We had a train track outside the house and every time a train went by it felt so loud it was as though the train was actually going through the house.

My husband was worried that I might have the baby blues, and that when I was hallucinating the sound of my baby crying he thought it might be like hearing a phantom cry. But as my symptoms progressed, the hallucinations became terrifying.

I could hear voices telling me to kill my baby and I was convinced the devil was speaking to me, as though I was being taken over by some kind of evil spirit. I told my husband, and we decided to go and stay with my in laws because I was so scared staying on my own in the house. I was becoming really manic and I hadn’t really slept properly since the birth.

Other symptoms included being on high alert, talking really quickly and loudly, and over sharing.

As the days progressed I remember there was one night that I became really aggressive. While my daughter was sleeping soundly upstairs I was downstairs and not acting like myself at all. I picked up the dining table – which for someone who had just had a caesarean was no mean feat – and I tried to throw it across the room. My husband and his cousin, who was visiting at the time, tried to calm me down. Then my mother in law called the ambulance. The police arrived with them too and accompanied me in the ambulance.

Once we arrived at the hospital I was quickly assessed by a psychiatrist and admitted to a general psychiatric ward. Of course this meant I was being separated from my daughter which really upset me. As a new mum I was bleeding postpartum, and my breasts were leaking, and that all added to the anxiety and fear of being without my baby. I also developed a blood infection which in turn heightened my mental health symptoms even further. Plus, I wasn’t sleeping at all, so I was put on sedatives in addition to the anti-psychotics they were giving me.

I was there about a week but, in the background, my husband and father in law had been researching MBUs and were fighting to get me a place in one where I could be with my baby girl.

During that time, the director of the MBU at Bethlem Hospital came to visit me in person. She was really reassuring, saying that they did have a bed, but, because of how I presented, full of angst and distress, she warned me that they might not be able to manage me because of the other mums and babies in there.

Deep down, I knew that one of the reasons behind my continued angst was being separated from my baby, so I knew if I could be reunited with her I would feel less distressed. So I promised that I would be OK on the MBU and, as suspected, things got much better after I was transferred…

MBU admission

It was the following day that I was transferred, and it was honestly like a lightbulb moment in my recovery. There were still a few symptoms of the psychosis, but things weren’t as intense as they had been, although I was still very paranoid and wanting to isolate and cocoon myself away from everyone.

Shortly after admission, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The psychiatric team noticed that I was more myself, but that my mood swings were really up and down, and my husband had noticed this as well. On reflection, my husband could now see that there were times before we had our daughter that my moods had become really heightened, but he just put it down to hormones.

My recovery

After being discharged, I spent about a year under the care of the mental health home treatment team and continued having appointments at Bethlem too.

I also started taking my daughter to playgroup from the age of three months. People wondered why I was taking her so young, but I wanted her to be around people, and I needed to interact with other mums too. I’m glad I did it, because today my daughter is so outgoing and happy.

My MBU doctor also told me to look up APP online and honestly, at first, I was sceptical. I thought what use is it going to do speaking to a stranger about my experience. But when I did it, I was like wow, this thing I went through is actually a real illness, and I’m not the only one. I’m not alone in this. It took me a while to attend an APP café group meeting but when I did and I was able to listen to many other stories it meant so much. I also got to meet APP’s ambassador, Laura Dockrill, who was so inspiring.

I love the peer support network so much that I recently did some training to become a peer supporter myself. I want to be able to give hope and comfort to other women like the APP support network gave to me.

The need for awareness

Today, looking back, and having no prior awareness of PP before my diagnosis, I think it’s incredibly important that midwives are made aware of it and of the symptoms, so they can pass that onto families who are expecting a child. They often talk about PND but PP is so rarely mentioned. I honestly think they should be giving out information at midwife appointments so you feel more prepared and able to spot the signs.

Because nobody in our family had ever heard of it, it was a huge shock and a really confusing time. I believe we could have reached out for help much earlier if we had known about PP.

I have learned, however, that experiencing PP does not make you a bad parent – it is an illness. We need to ensure we give ourselves time for self care and stop putting too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect parents. There’s honestly no such thing.

So if anyone is going through what I did, don’t feel afraid to speak out and ask for help. With PP, the longer you delay getting help, the worse it gets. But once you get that help, you can and will recover.

 

Stock Photos by Lawrence Crayton on Unsplash and charlesdeluvio on Unsplash and Elsa Lilja on Unsplash