Hannah Hardy-Jones, mental health advocate and CEO of the Kite Program, speaks bravely and honestly about how the traumatic birth of her daughter triggered bi-polar disorder. Instead of falling into depression, Hannah experienced intense highs within the first few days of giving birth on barely any sleep. And then came the devastating low.*TRIGGER WARNING: BIRTH TRAUMA, BI-POLAR DISORDER*IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:[00:00] Teaser quote[00:46] Introduction to Hannah Hardy-Jones (Part 1)[02:26] Before pregnancy - career focus and vision boards![03:55] The pregnancy itself - trying to make everything perfect[06:31] Lack of information about the emotional strains of parenting - women aren't prepared[07:58] Bad morning sickness[09:07] The birth - being induced and an epidural that only worked on one side [12:15] Baby in distress - intervention[16:48] Body shock [18:12] Not getting that skin-to-skin contact [18:51] The affect on Hannah's husband Nick[20:26] After the birth - staying at a birthing unit[22:58] Starting to feel 'high' - reduced pain, not sleeping [26:16] Suspicions and secrets[28:00] Getting assessed - 10 signposts for having a manic episode[31:22] Visitors made things worse [32:10] The adult psych team called in - feeling a bit scared and out of control[34:05] 6 weeks to get a formal diagnosis [34:56] What goes up must come down -the crushing depression[37:40] Terrible anxiety and support from carers[39:35] Cyclical depression caused by reaction to the medication[40:23] Looking after Alice - a fear of passing on the distress[41:44] Turning a corner, a fresh startKEY TAKEAWAYS:Whilst there are plenty of courses offering practical information during pregnancy, there should be more to prepare mums for the emotional strains of motherhood. Partners can be affected by birth trauma too and may need support themselves.NHS info on Bi-Polar DisorderA manic episode can reduce perceived pain intensity or the perceived need for sleep.Bi-Polar UK email: [email protected] Kite Program appIf you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate and subscribe. It really does make the difference in helping others find it – which means helping more parents in need.Follow us:InstagramTwitterJoin our Facebook GroupEmail: [email protected] NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE:In Episode 13 we continue our chat with Hannah Hardy-Jones. Hannah talks about adjusting to living with bipolar, having her second child and creating The Kite Program - a personal development app for mothers touted as a world-first.SUPPORT:If you are struggling right now, please know that it’s okay to talk and reach out for help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND WILL NOT FEEL THIS WAY FOR EVER. We hope these support services are helpful (please note we do not check or monitor them individually). Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)Moderated Forum, click here to find out more.Email: [email protected]: 020 3322 9900 Andy's Man ClubA non-judgemental talking group for menhttps://andysmanclub.co.uk/club-information/clubs/Email: [email protected] of Postnatal IllnessHelpline: 10am – 2pm – 0207 386 0868Email: [email protected] chat online facility Best BeginningsFree NHS-accredited Baby Buddy app offeringevidence-based information and self-care tools to help parents during pregnancyand early stages of parenting.App users also have access to a confidential, text-based Crisis Messenger which provides24/7 support for new and expectant parents who are feeling extremely anxious or overwhelmed.Bi-Polar UKemail: [email protected] Trauma AssociationEmail: [email protected] CALMContact CALMon their national helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight) Cedar House Support GroupEmail: [email protected] (Liz Wise)Mobile: 07773 283556 DadsNet Offers support and knowledge through a community of dads on practical parenting and fatherhood. Fathers Reaching Outhttps://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/Run by Mark Williams, campaigner, speaker and writer, offering support to dads. The Hub of Hope A directory of mental health support around the UK.Make Birth Better (Birth Trauma Support)Email: [email protected] Maternal OCDPeer support available, email [email protected] toarrange Muslim Women’s NetworkHelpine: 0800 999 5786, open Mon-Fri 10am –4pm with support offered in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Putwari, Hindko,and Bengali.Email: [email protected] chat: www.mwnhelpline.co.ukText: 07415 206 936 NetmumsNetmums offer peer support via their Maternal Mental Health Drop-InClinic. NHSContact your local GP surgery.Call the NHS on 111or contact a local NHS urgent mental health helplineIf you are in crisis, visit Accident & Emergency at your nearest hospital. PANDASHelpline open from 9am-8pm every day – 0843 2898 401Email support available – [email protected] PetalsPetals offers free-of-charge specialist counselling to anyone who has experienced pregnancyor baby loss.Web: petalscharity.org/counsellingcontact/Email: [email protected]: 0300 688 0068 SamaritansTel: 116 123(this is a free telephone number and will not appear on the phone bill)Web: www.samaritans.orgEmail: [email protected] ShoutText SHOUT to 85258 to start a confidential conversation with a trained Shout volunteer. Twins TrustTwinline is Twins Trust’s listening service for parents of twins, triplets and more. Allthe calls are answered by volunteers who have multiples themselves.Twinline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and from 7pm to 10pm. 0800 138 0509,alternatively email [email protected]: twinstrust.org/let-us-help/support/twinline.html Tommy’sTommy’s has a team of in-house midwives who offer free support and information for women and their families at any stage of pregnancy and after the birth.Web: www.tommys.orgHelpline: Tommy’shelpline has been closed temporarily but their midwives are answering questionsvia email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Email: [email protected] MUSIC by Joseph McDade