Since Daisy started her sleep consultancy two years ago, she estimates that about half of her clients share feelings of hopelessness and rock bottom. Only six months into her position, she encountered what she believed was a link between sleep deprivation and suicidal thoughts.
“One client didn’t tell us how close he was to suicidal thoughts until we were done working together,” she says. i want to die. “
That client was Jenny Higgs, a mother of four from Nottingham. Her son was born at 36 weeks and spent nine days in the NICU after a particularly difficult pregnancy, in which she dealt with depression and the weaning side effects of anxiety medications, in addition to a small placental abruption that could cause unexpected bleeding. I got
It felt so long. I couldn’t eat or sleep and was so worried I couldn’t go home. When we did, he slept beautifully at first, but I was so scared of SIDS, so traumatized by what we had already gone through together, that I felt myself I prioritized watching him over sleeping.
Things got worse for Jenny and her son, and by the time he was 6 months old, he was waking up every 45 minutes during the night.
“I was very aware that I wasn’t giving my older children the attention they deserved, and blamed myself for my baby’s lack of sleep because I didn’t leave him alone or settle him down early. I canceled my parents’ visit on New Year’s Eve, and at that point I felt that life wasn’t worth living anymore.I thought maybe I was the problem.Maybe , they would have been fine without me.
At this point, she reached out to Daisy on the recommendation of a friend.
“When I started the three-week program with her, I felt like my life depended on the success of the course. , I didn’t want to fail as a mother or fail to sort things out.I’m so happy!It’s been a year and my son is asleep and sleeps most nights.”
Today, Rose and Jenny and their sons are sleeping better and most of the time they are back to being very tired rather than sleep deprived.
Daisy is always upfront with her clients that she is not a medical professional and says she shows them what help they need beyond helping their families sleep better.
Laura Seabaum, CEO of The Matanal Mental Health Alliance, said: “However, we do know that sleep deprivation can pose a significant risk to a mother’s mental health. If you’re concerned about the amount of sleep you’re getting, it’s important to talk to a trusted health care professional as soon as possible.” This could be your midwife, health visitor, or GP If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Samaritans on 999 or 116 123 or go to the nearest A&E right away. please.”
“Despite constant news about the pressure on the NHS, please know that you are not a burden. Help is available and worthy of support.”
