24/08/2026
I found out I had ppd 1 year into being a parent of 2 under 2, I can't tell you how terrifying the lead up to this diagnosis was.
I saw doctors, therapists, marriage councilors, charity's...
Noone thought about ppd because I was already a year into it second time round.
I was able to talk rationally, I didn't appear to be sad or unhappy in-fact i thought everyonelse was the problem.
How did it reveal itself? Pure rage and hatred toward my partner, severe idealistic thoughts of su***de, severe intrusive thoughts, weight gain, inability to achieve daily tasks such as cooking, taking a shower and going shopping, poor memory, poor balance and exhaustion.
I have also now been diagnosed with ppmd - another diagnosis that is extremely dismissed as being a bit uptight and hormonal before your period.
PPMD is uncontrollable and requires medication to dampen the extreme symptoms. The only way I can explain the feeling of PPMD for me is that during the extreme phase of the cycle my mind feels as though it has been taken over and I just have to wait until I come back.
I'm there, I can see myself and how I am feeling, I know it's not real, I know it will pass. Dissociation, derealization, depersonalization.
Hormone drops affect brain chemicals like serotonin and GABA, which can alter perception, thinking, and emotional regulation.
Sians post is so helpful please do use all these support channels should you need to.
I don't normally post things like this on my business page but this felt important.
This is a RAW photo of me deep in Postpartum Depression MORE than 4 weeks after my daughter was born and these are my thoughts after listening to Dr Avram Mack’s testimony in the Lindsay Clancy trial. It's important to me that my clients - past, present and future understand the following -
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS AFTER GIVING BIRTH.
The DSM’s 4-week “peripartum onset” specifier is NOT the same thing as saying PPD can only occur within 4 weeks. Current clinical guidance recognises perinatal mental health conditions throughout the first YEAR postpartum.
And this post has nothing to do with where you stand on the Lindsay Clancy case itself. I have my own opinion; you may have a completely different one.
That isn’t the point...
The point is that thousands of women will hear statements made during a high-profile trial, and accurate information about postpartum mental health matters regardless of the verdict.
I photograph so many incredible women during pregnancy and throughout that first year with their babies, and I never want one of you to hear something like this and think, “Well, I’m past four weeks, so it can’t be PPD.”
It absolutely can. And you still deserve support. ❤️
And I’m not particularly interested in being lectured about women’s postpartum mental health by a man who, during his testimony, appeared to confuse a perineal tear with an episiotomy.
❤️ IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING POSTPARTUM, PLEASE REACH OUT
You do not have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.
Your GP, midwife or health visitor
Tell them honestly how you're feeling. They can support you and refer you to specialist perinatal mental health services where appropriate.
NHS
Information about postnatal depression, symptoms and treatment:
"NHS – Postnatal depression" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0)
PANDAS Foundation UK
Free support specifically for parents affected by perinatal mental illness, including a callback service, WhatsApp support and support groups.
WhatsApp: 07903 508334
"PANDAS Foundation – Get Support" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/1)
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Information, resources and a directory to help you find perinatal mental health support in your area.
"Maternal Mental Health Alliance – Find Support" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/2)
If you need urgent mental health help:
Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or attend A&E.
Samaritans - 116 123
Free, 24 hours a day, if you need somebody to talk to.
Whether you're 4 weeks, 4 months or further into your postpartum journey, please don't convince yourself that you've missed some imaginary deadline for needing help. ❤️
