Family determined to raise awareness of PMDD following death of North Yorkshire Mum
Lucy Pearson took her own life in September
A North Yorkshire woman is determined to raise awareness of maternal mental health after her sister took her own life soon after having a baby.
Lucy Pearson had two children and suffered with post natal depression both times. Her sister Faye says she also had PMDD - a condition which causes severe mental health symptoms linked to your period.
She's now helped set up Lucy's legacy to improve mental health services and raise awareness.
"Lucy was a brilliant mum. The illness just wouldn't allow her to see that. So Lucy well, would be leading this campaign.
"I think it started as postnatal depression and health anxiety ran alongside that. At the end of August, when she attempted to take her life she came on her period whilst in the hospital. The last time I spoke she was she told me she was picking up sanitary products from the shop.
"So for me it's just far too much of a coincidence that both times were around the first day of her period and again, this is something that I really think is underfunded. There's not enough knowledge about it. The word postnatal depression almost gives the doctors the go ahead to just treat this condition with antidepressants. We need to start really looking into women's hormones.
"We need an advocate really for younger women's mental health and pre menopause and ladies that are having babies and even before that, what's normal and what aren't normal feelings and when to go to the doctors and have the confidence to go and talk about our hormones without automatically given an antidepressant as a treatment."
What is PMDD?
The NHS say some women experience severe symptoms of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS, but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on your everyday life.
Symptoms can include:
headaches and joint and muscle pain
overeating and problems sleeping
feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or suicidal
Where to get help?
If you or anyone you know needs immediate help call 999
You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123
You can join Lucy's Legacy by clicking here
You can also contact MIND