‘I had got to a dark place’: NHS project helps mothers in Wales cope with life after birth

Mums Matter courses teach mental health tools and offer peer support for those overwhelmed by negative thoughts

When Bethany Morrall-Lane gave birth to her second son, she was so depressed and exhausted that one day, walking down the stairs carrying him, she thought: “If I tripped and fell, it would end it all now.”

Morrall-Lane was shocked by the thought. But she had other similar reflections, including planning which tree she would crash her car into the next time she was driving without her children.

International helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.