Ruth M Stacey
Ruth is a middle school teacher and poet living in the Somerset town of Frome with her husband and her son, Eddie.
Follow her on Instagram @dichotomyofmepoetry
Everyone is Here to Help
By Ruth M Stacey
When Eddie was just three weeks old, Ruth was admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit suffering with postpartum psychosis where she spent five weeks and five days.
This raw, honest account of her personal experience with postpartum psychosis brings together personal reflections, notes written at the time of her illness, as well as medical documents and messages between her and her loved ones.
Date of publication: 30th April 2024
RRP: £12.99
ISBN: 978-1739724320
Paperback: 250 pages
12.9cm x 1.3cm x 19.8cm
About Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental emergency that can affect any mother, even without any history of mental illness, usually in the first two weeks after giving birth. Although it is a serious illness, it is only a temporary state.
Psychosis is characterised by periods of high and elevated mood, irrational and uncharacteristic behaviour, lowered inhibitions, severe irritability, anxiety, delusions and hallucinations and needs to be treated immediately, usually with both medication and hospitalisation. Often mothers will be admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) but the prevalence of this serious condition in no way matches the number of beds nationally.
You can find out more about the condition and where to find support at Action on Postpartum Psychosis and at Royal College of Psychiatrists.
"A compelling, powerful and personal account of postpartum psychosis"
Dr Jess Heron, CEO, Action on Postpartum Psychosis
"A relatable and moving story of hope, strength and recovery"
Katy Haines, Mossy Roots Doula Services
"A very touching book - a really good read that also made me feel proud of my own recovery"
Kirsten Brooks, The Brain Health Nutritionist