Bringing a child into the world is a source of immense joy for many mothers. However, Bethanie Powell found herself in a dark place, battling postnatal depression after having her first two children in her early 20s. With the help of a mental health support service for mothers provided by the charity Mind, Bethanie was able to overcome her struggles.
Grateful for the lifesaving assistance she received from Mums Matter, Bethanie now pays it forward by offering one-on-one support as a mental health practitioner within the program. Reflecting on her journey, Bethanie, a mother of three residing in Powys, Wales, expressed how she once reached a point where she felt like giving up on life.
Attending a Mums Matter peer support group in Newtown, Powys, Bethanie participated in Christmas-themed crafting activities alongside other mothers. The session served as a platform to ensure the well-being of the attendees. According to estimates by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, up to 85,000 new mothers in England may have experienced postnatal depression in the previous year.
Bethanie, who has three sons, shared her experience with postnatal depression, revealing how she initially struggled due to lack of awareness and support. Following a hospitalization in early 2018, Bethanie enrolled in the Mums Matter course which eventually led her to become a volunteer and later a part-time mental health practitioner.
Tracy Lewis, the perinatal mental health team lead for Mums Matter, emphasized the evolving challenges faced by mothers, including issues related to ADHD and autism. The program, designed for mothers with mild to moderate mental health concerns, spans several weeks and covers various topics such as expectations, combating negative thoughts, and enhancing self-esteem.
Bethanie’s dedication to helping other mothers through Mums Matter is evident, with her youngest son even sporting a Mums Matter gilet as a symbol of their impact on her life. She encourages struggling mothers to seek support, emphasizing that they are not alone in their journey.
For those in need of immediate assistance, The Samaritans operate a free 24/7 helpline at 116 123. To locate a local Mind chapter, visit mind.org.uk/local-minds.