ITV Border survey reveals more than half of women with a postnatal illness have suicidal thoughts
An exclusive report has revealed that more than one in two women with postnatal depression in the ITV Border region have thought of taking their own life.
In a special investigation by ITV News and the postnatal depression charity PANDAS, a thousand women were asked about their experiences.
Here, one woman shares her story:
For six years Jessica Addicott struggled to bond with her eldest son.
The negative feelings towards her child started during pregnancy - which intensified when she found out she was expecting a boy.
“I thought if it's a girl then I could possibly savour some sort of relationship and have a mother and daughter relationship. But then I found out it was a boy and it made me feel a lot worse.”
But when Jessica gave birth, postnatal depression took hold and she became more unwell.
Jessica is not alone. A survey commissioned by ITV and PANDAS asked 1,000 women what experiences they'd had and the results are shocking.
In the Border region 51% of women who'd had a postnatal illness said they'd had suicidal thoughts.
In fact, suicide is a leading cause of death for women during pregnancy and one year after birth.
But sadly not all women get the help or advice they need.
Our survey showed:
In the Border region 88% of parents felt there isn't enough support.
And 36% said they needed to visit another health-care professional or make several visits before diagnosis and assistance.
Tina was diagnosed with postnatal depression after becoming overwhelmed with feelings of failure.
It became so bad she gave up her job as a teacher. But it was only by chance she found help.
This is something the 30-year-old says needs to change.
Jessica says she finally has a bond with her son. But says it's now time to break down the hidden pain of giving birth.