by Gráinne Connolly
Local mums here are calling for more people to become educated on post natal depression (PND).
"I deserve the right for you to become educated" is a quote from a mother who attends Support 2 gether, also known as an S2 mum.
Support 2 gether is a local charity that help those suffering with PND, by supporting them and helping them and their families get through the illness.
A lot of the feedback given to the organisers of the charity has been that, a lot of mothers feel if the likes of their partners, families and even health visitors were more educated on PND, then they wouldn't feel so alone living with it and they might be able to get through it better.
Q Radio spoke to local mum, Ciara O'Goan who also suffered with PND.
She said she felt extremely alone and that the illness made her feel as if she was a bad mother.
"I felt totally isolated, my house would have been totally full and I would have been isolated.
"I suppose it's because your husband and your families members don't have the education, they don't know how to deal with it and help you and support you.
"We're feeling that if the educations out there, early intervention for post natal depression is key."
With the support of other mums and the workers at Support 2 gether, Ciara was able to get through PND and is now a committee member at the charity.
You can listen to Ciara's full interview linked at the bottom of the page.
With the hopes of educating more people here, Support 2 gether are holding a seminar based around PND and has invited specialist Liz Wise over from England to deliver a presentation and talk.
Liz has suffered with PND herself and been through the illness,even saying it was the worst time of her life having PND after the birth of her two daughters.
She hopes to provide an insightful talk on the different ways that other people can identify it and become more aware.
"I'll be looking at what post-natal depression is, how many women and men suffer from paternal depression, what particular risk factors may play a part in actually having the condition, who else is affected by the mothers depression and how.
"I'll also be looking at what support and treatment is available for families, I'll be looking at how to listen to the mother about her experience, I'll be looking at the roles of the people attending the seminar and how can they can help in their role."
Liz went on to say how important it is that as many people attend the seminar and educate themselves as PND can affect anyone after child birth, no matter who you are or what age.
Liz will be coming to Omagh on the 18th and 19th September to deliver training.
On the 18th (today) training will be for Support 2gethers Committe and Volunteers only.
The seminar on the 19th is open to anyone from the public, however spaces are limited.
You can secure your space by booking in the link below:
The Seminar will run from 10am to 4pm at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.
Support 2 gether provide support in both Tyrone and Fermanagh, there's more information on their facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/s2charity/
Interview Ciara O'Goan, mum and support 2gether committee member:
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