I went through the whole spectrum of postnatal illness from baby blues right down to puerperal psychosis. Not what I had planned or expected! I have written a book about my illness 'Eyes without Sparkle - a journey through postnatal illness' (Radcliffe, 2005). I only mention this as I have had an avalanche of people telling me how much it has helped them. No-one has said it has scared them as they know it has a happy ending. Likewise I have countless messages from family and friends of the sufferer telling me that it has helped them to understand what we go through, and health professionals can also learn a great deal from it.
I have given up my teaching career to speak about this subject and am in the process of launching a campaign to increase the recognition and resources for perinatal mental health in the UK. Do you know that there are currently more specialist Mother and Baby beds in UK prisons than in the whole of the NHS?! Likewise the NICE guidelines which were published last year recommended that clinical networks are put in place. Instead all I hear are the services being closed!
This is appalling and must be stopped. If you would like to help me in anyway I would be grateful of your support. Why should families suffer from an illness that can and should be helped to end the misery?
Contact via my website www.elainehanzak.co.uk
