October 29, 2014

Film shines a light on post natal depression in effort to reach out to others

A powerful film exploring the reality of living with post natal depression and featuring sufferers’ stories (PND) will be launched by social enterprise PSS in Liverpool this week.

The film, being screened at FACT, highlights the problems experienced by people who have struggled with PND, including celebrity Denise Welch, who has spoken publicly about her struggles with the debilitating condition.

In the film, Denise, who suffered PND after the birth of her son, urges women to seek help and not be put off by any perceived stigmas around mental health issues in what has been described as an ‘invisible illness.’

It also features PND sufferer Kate Smith who now works with expectant and new mums for PSS and Mark Williams, founder of Fathers Reaching Out, a charity working with dads suffering from PND.

It comes after findings published in a study commissioned by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance found the long-term effects of poor mental health for new mothers cost the UK more than £8 billion a year.

The film aims to raise awareness of PND and what parents think helped them to recover. Health professionals from across the city, including GPs, health visitors, midwives and children’s centre staff are expected to attend the screening on Thursday, 30th October.

Attendees will also get a chance to view a recording of a play about PND that was performed by sixth form students from St Julie’s High School in Woolton. The play was used as their final exam piece and received great feedback by examiners. Sue Doherty, the play’s author, will also be available to answer any questions about the production.

The screening will be followed by a question and answer session and the film will then be made available to health professionals across the country in an effort to ensure women and their families are getting the help and support they need.

Julie Rawlinson, PND service manager for PSS: “The film we have produced is extremely powerful and we are all very proud of it and are looking forward to the screening.

“PND is a very serious issue that can affect any parent regardless of age, race or religion. If left untreated, the relationship between mother and baby can be affected which can have a long standing impact.

“However this can be turned around if they are supported early on, saving a great deal of heartache as well as resources in picking up the pieces.