Pregnancy & Postpartum Psychosis

With a family history of postpartum depression, Chloe thought she knew what signs to look out for in perinatal mental illness. But immediately after both births, she experienced insomnia that escalated into psychosis — what she calls ‘the crash’. Chloe shares the intensity of postpartum psychosis, and the long aftermath of making sense of what happened and rebuilding a sense of normal.

Sophie’s experience of perinatal mental ill health spanned depression, intrusive thoughts, and psychosis — leaving her feeling numb, fearful, and at times unable to trust herself around her baby. As her symptoms intensified and daily functioning became difficult, she required hospital support, and a decision to pursue TMS became a turning point in her recovery.

For over a year, Ariane hid the severity of her symptoms, performing the role of the ‘good’ mother while her mental health deteriorated. When that façade finally fell, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and had to trust her psychiatrist to take the lead — a turning point in her recovery.

When Ariane became a mother, she was confronted by delusions, hallucinations, and severe depression, shaped by a lifelong pull towards perfectionism and control. As a former caseworker and psychologist, her identity both masked and magnified her struggles, delaying her ability to seek help.

After a positive first postpartum experience, Jess never expected her next pregnancy to be any different — until she discovered she was carrying twins. As intrusive thoughts and compulsions intensified, her mental health rapidly declined, and the demands of caring for multiples compounded the feeling that she wasn’t enough. Despite support from acute mental health services, her symptoms escalated into hallucinations and psychosis.

After a straightforward physiological birth, Amelia experienced a sudden postpartum haemorrhage that separated her from her newborn and triggered an acute mental health crisis. She developed mania, insomnia, and postpartum psychosis, which she largely concealed from her care providers until she sought urgent help. Amelia reflects on the challenges of recognition, recovery, and preparing for a subsequent pregnancy with her mental health in mind.

With a background in child development psychology, Siobhan expected to feel prepared for motherhood. Instead, a traumatic birth and intense sleep deprivation during lockdown led to a postpartum experience marked by anxiety, depression, and, at its most severe, hallucinations and suicidal ideation. Siobhan reflects on the impact on her sense of self and the supports that helped her move towards recovery.

As a psychologist, Gen was familiar with psychiatric wards — but she never expected to be admitted as a patient shortly after the birth of her son. Following a severe postpartum infection, her mental health rapidly declined, with delusions and hallucinations taking hold. Gen reflects on her experience of acute mental illness, the impact of stigma, and her journey towards recovery and advocacy.