Co Tyrone mother (21) who tried to take own life speaks out about mental health

A young Co Tyrone mother has spoken out about her mental health struggles in a bid to break down stigmas and help others.

Donaghmore woman Olivia Litter (21) described her turmoil when she attempted to take her own life and was admitted to a psychiatric unit just months after the birth of her son.

The biomedical science student at Queen's University Belfast, who is currently taking time out, recently launched a Facebook blog - The Motherhood Document - to help women facing similar problems.

READ MORE: Coronavirus lockdown led to spike in anxiety and depression

After giving birth to her son James last August, Olivia later attended hospital with a kidney complaint.

While there it was established she had Postpartum Thyroiditis, an uncommon condition which can affect women who have recently given birth and which can trigger depression and anxiety.

It sparked a period of mental turmoil during which she was unable to live a normal life.

Her weight dropped dramatically from nine stone to six and at times the active young woman was unable get out of bed.

“I got myself in a state,” she said.

“Depression and anxiety cause physical pain - my muscles felt like I had run a marathon every day.

“I could not eat and sleep, I felt warm all the time and I could not lift a plate without dropping it.”

In February, she reached breaking point.

She described how she ran from her home to the banks of a local river swollen by flood water and threw herself in.

“I ran to the river and thought 'it has come to this'.

“I jumped in the river and at the last minute I saw a branch and I grabbed it.”

After dragging herself from the raging currents, Olivia made her way home to her distraught mother and later that day was admitted to the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.

The specialist facility provides in-patient care for people with mental health issues.

Olivia has praised the help she received at the unit, where people of all ages and backgrounds mix easily.

She also said she was forced to face false perceptions about places that cater for those with mental health issues during her time there.

After nine days Olivia returned home and since then has worked to highlight issues around mental health and suicide.

“A lot of the time suicide is impulsive and they say you regret it before you do it and that is what happened to me,” she said .

“Every single day that goes through my head.

“It's the last minute of panic - 'No, I don't need to do this'.

“I thank God every day there was a branch and I was able to pull myself back up.”

The campaigning mother said she is now haunted when she sees suicide statistics.

“That could be my parents reading that now, their daughter's name on that list," she said.

“I would never have got better and never been able to help people in that position.

“The day of the breakdown is often the breakthrough - you have to go rock bottom before you can work your way back up again.”

Her message to others who may be facing mental pressure is that “there are other avenues before going for the permanent solution”.

She said mothers need to concentrate on their own health and added that those around them should offer support and understanding.

“A GP said to me that in order for a child to be well looked after the mother herself must be well."

Olivia added that unfounded fears need to be set aside by those who need to seek help.

During her treatment concerns that social services would intervene were cast aside.

“Not once was social services mentioned,” she said.

The student said that since receiving treatment she has been approached by other women, mostly in an older age group, who suffered similar problems after giving birth.

She urged new mothers who are struggling with their mental health to seek help from their GP.

“The message is to not to let yourself slip through the cracks,” she said.

“You can break the silence and tell people.

“The first step is admitting 'I don't feel good'.

"Nip it in the bud.”

Local independent councillor Dan Kerr offered his backing to Olivia.

“Olivia is a very courageous, articulate young woman," he said.

"Fair play to her for coming forward and for highlighting this issue.”

:: Anyone experiencing distress or who knows someone in need of support can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.