A YARDLEY mum has spoken about her battle with postnatal depression and how after reaching out for help she and her family have gone on to live happy and healthy lives.
To mark maternal mental health week, which runs until May 5, Sobhia Mahmood, a peer support worker at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) Perinatal Mental Health services, has shared her story and how no mum should go through this alone.
“The year 2011 will forever be etched in my memory as the year when my life changed forever,” Sobhia said. “I went through a complicated pregnancy and birth, and when my beautiful daughter finally arrived, I was hit with a wave of emotions that left me feeling completely overwhelmed.
“When we finally left the hospital and came home, I was constantly anxious and scared that something might happen to her.
“Every time my daughter cried, it would trigger my anxiety.
“I was so worried about being judged by others, especially since mental health is such a taboo topic, let alone postnatal depression.
“It seemed like everyone around me had it all together, while I was falling apart inside. I needed help.”
After a friend told her about Acacia Family Support, who work with BSMHT, to offer free mental health support to new mums and mums-to-be, she got on the phone and cried.
Sobhhia said: “Their unwavering support, care, and kindness gave me the strength to face each day. With their help, I learned how to manage my anxiety and take care of my daughter in a way that was healthy for both of us.
“It takes courage to ask for help, and I wish I had reached out to more people sooner.”
Postnatal depression can happen to anyone, regardless of whether they have experienced complications during pregnancy/ birth or their background or circumstances.
It is a condition that can affect any new mother and can have a profound impact on their life and the lives of their loved ones.
It is estimated that up to one in four women are affected by perinatal mental health problems, covering a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum psychosis.
Sobhia said after After receiving invaluable support and care during her struggles she wanted to give back and help other mothers who might be going through the same difficulties.
So she decided to volunteer where she could for a number of years before being handed an honorary contract working for the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health team at the Trust.
She added: “If you are struggling, please don’t suffer alone. There are teams out there who can support you.”
Anyone struggling with mental health following the birth of a baby can visit BSMHFT’s website for more on how to access Perinatal Mental Health services.
