Lyn’s story (Kent)

Losing my beautiful daughter, Rebecca, to perinatal suicide came as a complete shock. She had no history of mental ill health and no problems. She had everything to live for, and yet she took her life. What chance then do mothers with existing mental health difficulties or a previous history have?

We must learn from this and better support mothers by detecting the first signs of not coping earlier and preventing this from escalating. 

Making a difference together

As a family, I can’t begin to describe the trauma and loss we have felt. It is so desolating and knowing that Rebecca can’t enjoy her baby son growing up is incredibly difficult. That’s why it was such a great relief to come across the Everyone’s Business campaign and become a champion for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. 

By campaigning alongside other people with similar experiences, I feel like I’m doing my part to ensure that all women in the UK who are affected by perinatal mental health problems receive the care they and their families need, no matter what their level of need is or where they live. 

End unnecessary suffering

For me, my participation in the campaign is a way I can honour the loss of Rebecca and try to make things better. I want to ensure essential information is shared and vital services across the care pathway are funded so the unnecessary suffering of mothers, their babies and families is avoided.

 

If the content of this story causes you to think of anything that has happened to you or someone you know and you feel upset, worried or uncomfortable, please see our support page for a list of services who may be able to help.