This is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever written.
All 26-year old Karen had ever wanted was to be a mum but after her second child came along, she locked herself in her bathroom and stabbed herself in the chest. She died from a blood clot resulting from the wound 3 days later.
Her mum, Carol, tells the chilling story of how the tragedy unfolded, and how the family are still trying to come to terms with Karen's cruel and untimely death. As you can see from the photo, she has left behind two beautiful little girls.
Post-natal psychosis is an extreme psychiatric illness affecting as many as one of 500 new mums. It's thought to be linked to sudden hormone changes and lack of sleep but no one really knows for sure. Symptoms include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and severe mood swings - and it can come on suddenly. A psychiatrist who specialises in the illness says that she has seen women go from acting normally to totally psychotic in a matter of hours.
For help & advice contact the Pre & Post Natal Depression Advice and Support helpline on 0843 2829 401
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