Three years ago, on August 10th 2021, my life took an unexpected turn when I became unwell with *postpartum psychosis*, after the birth of my daughter Lina. This year, on August 10th, 2024, I decided to mark this passage of time by celebrating my recovery journey and taking on the Tough Mudder challenge.

Postpartum psychosis is a silent battle that many endure, and yet few fully understand. Affecting approximately 1-2% of new mothers, it's a maternal mental health illness causing a range of symptoms from confusion to severe depression, manic episodes, delusions and even hallucinations. My personal experience battling this illness in 2021 and beyond, is a testament to the strength that anyone can find within. On the third anniversary of the date that turned my life upside down, I want to use my journey to inspire and make a difference.

Tough Mudder, with its gruelling physical and mental challenges, serves as a symbolic representation of my belief that today, there's nothing I cannot overcome. The obstacles on the course reflect the hurdles life throws at us, and as I navigate mud pits and conquer towering walls, I'll be proving to myself and others that, after facing the darkest moments of my life, resilience and inner strength can conquer all.

www.toughmudder.co.uk

I have chosen to dedicate my Tough Mudder challenge to the charity APP (Action on Postpartum Psychosis), an organisation committed to supporting those affected by postpartum psychosis. APP introduced me to a community of genuine and caring people who helped me navigate the loneliness and complexities of this illness, and played a huge part in my recovery.

*Who is APP?*

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK charity. They'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 1,400 new mums in the UK each year. APP offers information and peer support, facilitates ground breaking research, and raises awareness and campaigns for improved services. Their life changing peer support network helps women and families affected by postpartum psychosis feel understood, supported and less isolated.

www.app-network.org

By donating to my fundraising page, you're not just supporting me in my physical and mental challenge, or celebrating my personal recovery; you're contributing to a cause that aims to create awareness and change lives of many other mums and their families.

Here are a few inspiring reasons to consider making a donation:

*Raising Awareness: Every Step Counts*: Just as every step in Tough Mudder contributes to completing the race, every donation, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort of raising awareness and supporting those affected by postpartum psychosis.

*Breaking the Stigma*: By supporting me and APP, you're breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Your donation sends a powerful message that mental health matters, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of many, creating a world of understanding and compassion.

*Investing in Research and Resources:* Funds raised will go towards vital research and resources. Your donation fuels initiatives aimed at better understanding postpartum psychosis and improving the resources available for individuals and families affected.

*Celebrating Resilience*: My journey from postpartum psychosis to taking on Tough Mudder is a celebration of strength and overcoming challenges. Your donation becomes a symbol of encouragement for everyone facing mental health challenges, letting them know they are not alone, and recovery is possible.

As I lace up my shoes, I invite you to join me on this journey of triumph over adversity. Follow my instagram @sarahjuliepujol as I prepare to face the challenges of Tough Mudder!

Your support, in any amount, will not only propel me through the challenge; it will also make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by postpartum psychosis. Donate today and be a part of a journey that goes beyond the mud and the miles— a journey of healing, strength, and hope.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Sarah xxx