I am running for the Action on Post Partum Psychosis Charity because after having my second son Thomas, I was extremely ill with post partum psychosis. I had never even heard of it before and only really understood what it was after a few months of being in a Mother and Baby Psychiatric Ward where I had been sectioned for my own safety.  

Before going into hospital, I wasn't sleeping, I was hallucinating and I was psychotic - I genuinely believed I could solve the UK Housing Market crisis. Your memory is very patchy with this illness but I remember vividly thinking I might die before I went into hospital and begging my Dad to save my life. Thankfully I got the right care and stayed in Rosewood Mother and Baby Unit in Kent with Thomas for four months. 

The recovery from postpartum psychosis is very long. After the high of the psychosis comes the long, deep depression. The pain was like nothing I have ever experienced. There were lots of times when I felt I couldn't go on, couldn't get up in the morning, didn't want to be here anymore. There were times when even basic tasks like making a meal or driving again seemed like they were unachievable. 

One and a half years on, I feel like the old Emma is back. It's been a long 18 months but I have had the most amazing support around me. The Mother and Baby Unit, the community NHS teams and the Adult Mental Health Services have been amazing. I have also been lucky to have had such a supportive employer who have ensured I have had a slow and steady phased return so I am successfully back to work full-time. 

It has made me re-evaluate my life and I feel stronger now than ever. So I am running this half marathon in London for other women with the illness who are in need. This particular route means a lot to me - I ran the London Marathon in 2012 and I was happy and in a good place then. Running it again now, 9 years later and feeling better will be a special day. 

Thanks for reading and for donating - I hope this money can help other Mums in need.  

Ems x 

(PS: I recommend watching Louis Theroux Mothers on the Edge if you'd like to find out more)

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