On the 25th of June 2023 I gave birth to my daughter. Unfortunately in the weeks that followed I developed postnatal depression. My mental health continued to decline until I became suicidal and I was frequently self harming. It was when I was at my lowest point that I began experiencing delusions and I was told I had suspected postnatal psychosis and needed immediate intervention. On the 13th of October I was admitted to a Mother and Baby psychiatric unit at Wythenshawe hospital. That was the nearest unit to me and I was very lucky to get a bed there.

That unit saved my life, the help and support I received helped me out of my pit of depression and I was able to figure out a medication combination that worked for me.

Whilst on the unit I was able to speak with 2 peer support volunteers from Action on Postpartum Psychosis. I found there help invaluable. They would go above and beyond for the patients and they were always there to listen and share in their own experiences.

Now that I am in recovery I wanted to do something to give back.

It is 38 miles from my home in Liverpool to the Mother and Baby Unit I was admitted to. I will be walking that distance around Sefton Park over the May bank holiday weekend and I would be extremely grateful if you could donate towards this cause.

Thank you

Karin

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK charity. We’re here to make sure mums, parents and families are supported through postpartum psychosis – a severe, but treatable, form of mental illness that occurs after having a baby and affects 1400 new mums in the UK each year.

We offer information and peer support, facilitate ground breaking research, raise awareness and campaign for improved services.

Our life changing peer support network helps women and families affected by postpartum psychosis feel understood, supported and less isolated.