This has been, without a shadow of a doubt, the hardest year of my life. To briefly summarise: My husband and I moved house, bought our first home, discovered I was pregnant, I started a new job and he moved his business from London. To add more spice to mix, I was terrified of childbirth which was then timely followed by a global pandemic and very limited maternity support. Add to this disagreements around Covid and voilà the perfect storm in a teacup which would test even the most resilient of people.

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I didn’t realise I was suffering from Postnatal Depression (PND). In fact I dismissed suggestions that I might have been depressed as poppycock because I wasn’t sad, rather I was intensely angry or anxious.

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I still haven’t had a real diagnosis because there just isn’t the support from the NHS, although thankfully I’m feeling a lot better now.

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What my family really needed was support from healthcare professionals, especially as first time parents struggling under lockdown.

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Our little family is still reeling from the effects of lockdown but our son is doing fantastically and remains a source of delight throughout this tumultuous period.

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I have chosen to share my story because hopefully with increased awareness and openness there will be better support for young families. The NSPCC have started a campaign to increase support for perinatal health care under the NHS. If you would like to support it by signing the petition please

follow the link below:

 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/campaigns/fight-for-a-fair-start/

 

With love,

Anonymous