As popular British soap, Eastenders, includes a storyline involving Stacey Branning experiencing postpartum psychosis, the telegraph has posted a real life story of this experience. 

Postpartum psychosis is suggested to be triggered by the sudden drop in hormones after birth. The symptoms can include:

• Manic behaviour
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Having racing thoughts
• Experiencing insomnia

Victoria Pavitt describes her experiences here.

Most people have heard of post-natal depression, but few have heard of post-natal psychosis. Victoria suggested that it’s essential to see it as a separate issue rather than place it under the umbrella of post-natal depression.

Post-natal psychosis usually starts within the first two weeks of birth and can occur out of the blue – although woman with, or family history of, depression or bipolar disorder are at higher risk. The symptoms appear to be shorter lived, 2-12 weeks, which gives hope and reassurance to many. Many woman do go on to make a full recovery.

For more information please click here. 

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