Meet Roz Owens, a mum from Cardiff who bravely opened up about her experience with postpartum psychosis after the birth of her first son in 2007. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that can have a profound impact on new mothers. Roz’s journey shines a light on the importance of mental health support for mums.
After her son was born, Roz started exhibiting alarming symptoms—she wasn’t eating or sleeping properly and was saying things that didn’t make sense. With the belief that she was evil, she felt overwhelmed and even suicidal. It was only after a crisis that she received the help she needed at a mother and baby unit. However, she was not initially told her condition had a name: postpartum psychosis. Knowing the diagnosis could have helped her understand what she was facing and pave the way toward recovery.
Roz wants other mums to know they’re not alone. She’s participating in a vital study by the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), encouraging more mums across the UK to share their experiences. The aim? To enhance understanding, improve diagnosis, and develop treatment options for postpartum psychosis. The NCMH’s study seeks to unravel the mysteries behind the condition, exploring its causes and identifying risk factors, all in hope of offering better support for new mums and their families.
Roz’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection and support can make a significant difference. While postpartum psychosis is rare, affecting 1 to 2 in every 1,000 births, awareness is crucial. Knowing the symptoms—which can include hallucinations and extreme mood swings—might be lifesaving.
For mums reading this, or anyone who knows someone who may be struggling, reach out for help. Organisations like Mind Cymru and Samaritans are there to support you. Let’s break the stigma and talk about maternal mental health so every mum feels seen, heard, and supported. 💙
If you want more information about the study or how to get involved, look it up online to contribute to shaping a brighter future for mums everywhere.