Mother who suffered with postpartum psychosis calls on others to seek help

A mother from Gwynedd who suffered from Postpartum Psychosis has called on other new mums struggling with mental health to seek support.

Sally Wilson, who is 37 from Caernarfon, experienced her first psychotic episode just days after her daughter, Ella, was delivered.

The illness made her believe she had killed her daughter and caused her to have suicidal thoughts.

She struggled with her mental health months after giving birth.

Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness which starts after childbirth and affects up to 1 in 1000 women in the UK.

Symptoms can include hallucinations and delusions, often with mania, depression or confusion, according to Action on Postpartum Psychosis.

Ms Wilson said: "At the time when I was ill, I really struggled with my bond and attachment with Ella.

"I was getting constant images of going out into the Menai and ending it all."

Ms Wilson is now fully recovered and encouraging other expecting mums to access support for their mental health.

She said it was difficult to get the help she needed when she was ill.

Since then a dedicated Perinatal Mental Health Service in North Wales was introduced by the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, with funding from the Welsh Government.

Ms Wilson said: "When I was ill there were no specialist teams in our area.

"It is a really positive thing that the Perinatal Mental Health Service has been introduced with the hope of educating and training those who care for and treat pregnant women.

"When I was ill, I could never ever have imagined the relationship I have with my daughter now."

Referrals to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board can be made via a GP, Midwife or Health Visitor.