Rise in women seeking help for perinatal mental health issues in Leeds
We speak exclusively to two mothers who share their experiences of suffering severe mental illness post-birth
Last updated 26th Nov 2024
All this week we're shining a spotlight on perinatal mental health - as we can exclusively reveal the number of women seeking help has risen by a quarter in the space of 4 years.
Figures from the Leeds & York NHS Trust show more then 900 came forward for help last year.
We've spoken to two West Yorkshire mums who are sharing their stories to help other women who are struggling know they are not alone - you can listen to their experiences below:
Bronwen Ashton began suffering with psychosis following the birth of her second child and was admitted to the specialist mother & baby facility at The Mount. The 8-bed facility is based in Leeds but admits women from across Yorkshire and the Humber. She tells us how she believed her baby was a doll and was seeing and hearing things that were not there. Several years on, Bronwen now works as a peer support worker within the mental health teams, helping other women struggling with similar issues.
Jess Anderson felt detached from her baby after giving birth and began suffering from severe intrusive thoughts where she thought about harming herself so that she could be taken to hospital on her own. She rang the crisis line and was admitted to the mother & baby unit for a few weeks.
Both Jess and Bronwen say the unit saved their life - and are urging other mums to speak out if they're struggling.
We also hear from a specialist perinatal mental health nurse who describes some of the key problems women might experience and the kind of help that can be offered.
If you are struggling with perinatal mental health in West Yorkshire you can find support and information here:
*The Leeds & York Perinatal Mental Health service)
*Wakefield/Pontefract Turning Point