Reflections on PND - Gemma Mansley

As part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week I wanted to share the stories of other mums. Today I want to share with you a guest post written by Gemma Mansley, a fellow local mummy. Gemma bravely shared this post last year on her social media.

“World Mental Health Day has inspired me to share my story and show others that they are not alone; this time last year I was diagnosed with post natal depression. I am finally coming through the other side and not just coping with life but actually starting to enjoy it again which is a wonderful feeling! I am definitely so much more appreciative of the good times 😊 

Life had become difficult surviving off little sleep and constant illness between us all last winter. That coupled with already struggling after several big losses in my life and adjusting to the change from having a successful career to being a stay-at-home mum to two children under 2 meant I began to spiral downwards. Mental health issues are so personal with many people feeling uncomfortable talking about it. I couldn’t understand why I was suffering as I have so much love and support in my life but it really can happen to anyone and it is just as debilitating as a physical illness/injury. 

I began to see a life coach this summer which was critical to my recovery along with the support of the 3 most important people in my life: my husband (who’s support has not wavered once during such a difficult time), my mum (who is always there and is an amazing help with the kids) and my best friend (who has helped me find myself again when I was lost). It is ok to not be ok, just don’t shut out those people who are there for you. Recovery takes time and only you can make the changes needed to lift the darkness, but often you need help from others to begin to move out of the dark ❤️ “