Episode 13
Having a baby made me manic: HANNAH HARDY-JONES (Part 2)
Hannah Hardy-Jones, mental health advocate and CEO of the Kite Program, developed bipolar disorder after the traumatic birth of her daughter. In Part 2, Hannah talks about what inspired her to start Kite to support the mental health of others, the benefits of having bipolar and the hugely positive experience she had with the birth of her second child, Henry.
*TRIGGER WARNING: BI-POLAR DISORDER*
! Apologies for my Siamese cat Brandy miaowing in the background at points !
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[00:00] Teaser quote
[01:03] Introduction to Hannah Hardy-Jones (Part 2)
[02:50] The affect Hannah's bipolar disorder has had on her husband Nick
[04:35] Starting The Kite Program - a beautifully designed, emotionally supportive app for mums and beyond
[08:57] The decision to have a second baby after her traumatic first birth - support in place
[11:10] The risk of having a psychotic episode - nightmares about what could happen
[11:45] A beautiful birth with Henry - immediate connection and a healing experience
[13:01] How Alice's birth gave Hannah the gift of doing what she's doing now - looking back
[14:55] "Can I do this again?" Considering having another baby after trauma or PND
[19:55] The impact on Hannah's daughter Alice
[21:22] "We talk about mental health" - building an emotional toolkit for her daughter
[24:25] "My brain is a different brain" - life since her diagnosis - more creative and confident
[25:50] The benefits of neurodiversity in creativity
[27:05] Hannah's negative views on 'mental health' when she worked in HR, before her lived experience
[30:14] Trying to help other people understand what it feels like - Vikki's experience
[32:54] How looking at Google and forums can be damaging
[34:26] These feelings don't last for ever - you will not always feel this way
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The pressure to have another child. It's okay not to want to have another child after perinatal illness.
- However with the right support in place you can have a really successful second birth and not necessarily be affected by mental health issues second time around.
- Bipolar can actually unlock positive parts of your brain.
- Don't look at Google or forums for advice, these can be triggering.
- These feelings are temporary - you will not feel this way for ever.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- NHS info on Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar UK email: info@bipolaruk.org
- The Kite Program app
If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate and subscribe. It really does make the difference in helping others find it – which means helping more parents in need.
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NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE:
In Episode 14 we chat to the hugely inspiring Christina Brown of the Motivational Mums Club, on discovering she was pregnant again within months of having her first child and her subsequent experience of postnatal depression.
SUPPORT:
If you are struggling right now, please know that it’s okay to talk and reach out for help.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND WILL NOT FEEL THIS WAY FOR EVER.
We hope these support services are helpful (please note we do not check or monitor them individually).
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)
Moderated Forum, click here to find out more.
Email: app@app-network.org
Tel: 020 3322 9900
Andy's Man Club
A non-judgemental talking group for men
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/club-information/clubs/
Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk
Association of Postnatal Illness
Helpline: 10am – 2pm – 0207 386 0868
Email: info@apni.org
Live chat online facility
Free NHS-accredited Baby Buddy app offering
evidence-based information and self-care tools to help parents during pregnancy
and early stages of parenting.
App users also have access to a confidential, text-based Crisis Messenger which provides
24/7 support for new and expectant parents who are feeling extremely anxious or overwhelmed.
email: info@bipolaruk.org
Email: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
Contact CALM
on their national helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)
Email: lwise@talktalk.net (Liz Wise)
Mobile: 07773 283556
Offers support and knowledge through a community of dads on practical parenting and fatherhood.
Fathers Reaching Out
https://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/
Run by Mark Williams, campaigner, speaker and writer, offering support to dads.
A directory of mental health support around the UK.
Make Birth Better (Birth Trauma Support)
Email: hello@makebirthbetter.org
Peer support available, email info@maternalocd.org to
arrange
Helpine: 0800 999 5786, open Mon-Fri 10am –
4pm with support offered in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Putwari, Hindko,
and Bengali.
Email: info@mwnhelpline.co.uk
Online chat: www.mwnhelpline.co.uk
Text: 07415 206 936
Netmums offer peer support via their Maternal Mental Health Drop-In
NHS
Contact your local GP surgery.
Call the NHS on 111
or contact a local NHS urgent mental health helpline
If you are in crisis, visit Accident & Emergency at your nearest hospital.
Helpline open from 9am-8pm every day – 0843 2898 401
Email support available – info@pandasfoundation.org.uk
Petals offers free-of-charge specialist counselling to anyone who has experienced pregnancy
or baby loss.
Web: petalscharity.org/counsellingcontact/
Email: counselling@petalscharity.org
Tel: 0300 688 0068
Tel: 116 123
(this is a free telephone number and will not appear on the phone bill)
Web: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a confidential conversation with a trained Shout volunteer.
Twinline is Twins Trust’s listening service for parents of twins, triplets and more. All
the calls are answered by volunteers who have multiples themselves.
Twinline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and from 7pm to 10pm. 0800 138 0509,
alternatively email asktwinline@twinstrust.org.
Web: twinstrust.org/let-us-help/support/twinline.html
Tommy’s has a team of in-house midwives who offer free support and information for women and their families at any stage of pregnancy and after the birth.
Web: www.tommys.org
Helpline: Tommy’s
helpline has been closed temporarily but their midwives are answering questions
via email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Email: midwife@tommys.org
MUSIC by Joseph McDade
