Postnatal Depression: Lindsay Robinson on Maternal Mental Health, Recovery & Hope | Local Women Podcast
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Local Women Podcast, we shine a spotlight on postnatal depression and maternal mental health — subjects that still aren’t talked about nearly enough.
Our guest Lindsay Robinson shares her experience of becoming mentally unwell during pregnancy, the two-year journey to finally receiving the diagnosis and treatment she needed, and the impact postnatal depression had on her life and family. She also explains why asking for help can be so difficult for new mums — and why getting the right support can be life-changing.
Lindsay has since spent a decade campaigning for better maternal mental health services in Northern Ireland. She discusses the specialist perinatal mental health teams now operating across the five Health and Social Care Trusts and the long-awaited Mother and Baby Unit coming to Belfast, which will allow mothers requiring inpatient psychiatric care to be treated alongside their babies rather than being separated from them.
Our host also shares her own experience of postnatal depression as the two women have an open, honest and at times surprisingly funny conversation about anxiety, intrusive thoughts, masking how you really feel, relationships, motherhood and the enormous adjustment that comes with having a baby.
Most importantly, their message to other women is simple: if you’re struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and support is available.
• Lindsay’s personal experience of postnatal depression
• Recognising signs during pregnancy and after birth
• Why some mums struggle to ask for help
• Anxiety, intrusive thoughts and masking
• Treatment, medication and psychiatric support
• The impact on partners and family life
• Northern Ireland’s specialist maternal mental health services
• The new Mother and Baby Unit coming to Belfast
• Why we need to talk more openly about maternal mental health
If Lindsay’s story resonates with you, please consider sharing this episode with another mum, partner, friend or family member who might need to hear it.
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