A Southern Health and Social Care Trust podcast is sharing a mother’s experience of postnatal mental illness to encourage other women to seek help during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week.

Holly developed postpartum psychosis after the birth of her daughter. The condition can cause confusion, hallucinations, delusional beliefs, severe mood swings and thoughts of self-harm. About one in four women experience some form of perinatal mental health difficulty, ranging from anxiety to more severe illness.

Holly describes feeling overwhelmed and unable to connect with her baby in the weeks after birth. She recalls believing she would never love her daughter and that she had ruined everything. With support from her health visitor, acute mental health services and the trust’s perinatal mental health team, she recovered and was able to build a relationship with her child.

Holly says she was listened to and supported without judgement, which made a huge difference. She wants other mothers to know that help is available and recovery is possible.

The podcast highlights the role of health visitors, who often build trusted relationships with families and can spot early signs of struggle. It also discusses how supporting a mother’s mental health strengthens the bond with her baby, laying foundations for the child’s emotional wellbeing and development.

Holly has also backed plans for a regional Mother and Baby Unit, which would allow mothers receiving inpatient mental health care to stay with their babies. She says this would help maintain the bond during treatment.

Jan McGall, director of mental health and disability services at the trust, says hearing directly from women like Holly is vital. Early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference, and supporting mothers benefits the entire family. She urges anyone struggling or concerned about a loved one to reach out.

The podcast is available on the trust’s website and social media channels under the name Southpod.