'I thought my daughter's life would be better if I wasn't there' - living with postnatal depression

The scale of postnatal depression across the country is being highlighted this week, as new mums speak out to help end the stigma around the condition.

According to NHS figures, 1 in 10 women suffer with PND following the birth of a child, but according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 81% of new mothers have dealt with at least one episode of mental health problems.

Now, women who have dealt with the condition are speaking out, encouraging others to come forward to get help.

Simone Riley found herself struggling to cope after the birth of her daughter:

"The lowest point for me was when I wanted to take my own life and I've never had thoughts of feelings like that, ever, I'm a bubbly character.

On the drive home from work I would think that, when I get home, I'll just feel so lonely, because even though I've got a daughter I still felt alone. I would think to myself that, if I wasn't there, she would be so much better off.

"That was the moment I knew I needed to get help. I went to see my mum and she said there were other women out there who were suffering in the same way, you need to go to the doctor to seek help. And that was the first milestone for me to realise that something wasn't right.

"Since I've come out and told my story, my mother has also said she suffered quite badly with postnatal depression but she couldn't get any help in the 80s when I was born, people would just tell her to get on with it.

She didn't tell anyone how she was feeling until she got to the stage that I was at, where she wanted to take her own life.

"When I went to the doctor, the first thing he said was I don't know how you've coped for so long without anyone to talk to.

Speaking to someone who didn't know me, who didn't know my situation and who doesn't judge me, it was like the weight has been lifted and I really do thank them."

Simone is calling for better support for new mums and is encouraging mothers to come forward if they feel alone or depressed.

The main symptoms include:

A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

Loss of interest in the world around you and no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure

A lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

Feeling that you're unable to look after your baby

Problems concentrating and making decisions

Loss of appetite or an increased appetite (comfort eating)

Feeling agitated, irritable or very apathetic (you "can't be bothered")

Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame

Difficulty bonding with your baby with a feeling of indifference and no sense of enjoyment in his or her company

Frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby; these can be scary, but they're very rarely acted upon

Thinking about suicide and self-harm