Review: A volunteer from Action on Postpartum Psychosis has reviewed an exciting new play, 'afterbirth', that explores postpartum psychosis.
The play was conceived as a means of highlighting key research messages about maternal mental health, with a view to increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in pregnancy and after the birth of a baby, reducing stigma, and encouraging women to talk about their concerns and find support.
"I think the play tackles stigma brilliantly because it raises awareness of maternal mental health difficulties which can affect anyone. So just the fact that the play is having that discussion and bringing it to the forefront in a powerful way can open everybody’s eyes as to what can happen to some women and their families.
It shows that it’s something we can talk about, and, once awareness is raised, although it will take time for stigma to be removed, this is an important step, and it makes me feel even more positive that times are changing and that it isn’t something that needs to be hidden or something that you should be ashamed of."