Most people expect the journey into parenthood to be filled with joy, but for many, mental health challenges strike unexpectedly, leaving them feeling betrayed by their own minds.

Olivia Gascoigne’s story of postpartum psychosis and her mission to change that narrative will inspire you to rethink how we support new parents. Her innovative project, Letter Beams, is a powerful movement transforming lived experience into a beacon of hope for birthing people during their darkest times. In this heartfelt episode, Olivia shares her own harrowing postpartum psychosis experience and how it fuelled her passionate drive to provide emotional support through handwritten and digital letters from those who’ve been there. You’ll discover how Letter Beams bridges the gap in perinatal mental health education, helping individuals recognise early warning signs and break the stigma around seeking help.

Olivia reveals the surprising ways writing and receiving letters foster healing, not just for the recipients but also for the letter writers themselves, turning trauma into strength.We break down the vital importance of trauma-informed, peer-to-peer support in perinatal mental health care. Olivia shares the protocols they follow to keep both writers and recipients safe, including the crucial role of clinical oversight by mental health professionals. You’ll learn how these personalised letters are now reaching birthing people on parent-baby units, in hospice care, and during other life milestones, creating a ripple effect of kindness and resilience.

This episode underscores the urgent need to educate, empower, and nurture individuals before, during, and after pregnancy. Olivia’s vision of expanding Letter Beams into a lifetime of support, covering grief, illness, and vulnerable groups, is a blueprint for a more compassionate, aware society. Perfect for healthcare providers, new parents, mental health advocates, and anyone passionate about fostering hope in the face of adversity, this conversation will leave you inspired to turn your own experiences into acts of kindness.

Olivia Gascoigne is the founder of Letter Beams, a peer support organisation dedicated to sending handwritten and digital letters of hope from those with lived experience to individuals facing mental health challenges. Her work has already touched countless lives and continues to grow, demonstrating the transformative power of community, empathy, and storytelling.If you believe in the healing potential of connection, or want to learn how simple acts like writing and sharing can impact mental health, this episode is essential listening. Join us as we explore how kindness and awareness can revolutionise support for those navigating the hardest moments of parenthood and beyond.

For immediate support, please reach out to the following helplines: Samaritans (116 123), Crisis Line (text SHOUT to 85258), NHS 111 for urgent medical advice, and PANDAS (0808 1961 776) for perinatal mental health support.

Most new parents feel the pressure to bounce back quickly, but Nikki Steele Osborne’s raw story reveals the hidden toll of perinatal mental illness that often goes unnoticed. In this deeply honest episode, Nikki shares her journey from the joy of pregnancy to the overwhelming postpartum depression and anxiety she experienced, exposing the societal myths about motherhood and mental health.

Discover how delayed support, societal expectations, and the stigma around medication can leave new mothers feeling isolated and misunderstood. Nikki discusses the power of vulnerability, the importance of authentic conversations around mental health, and her own healing through coaching, therapy, and self-acceptance.

You’ll learn about matrescence - the profound identity shift of becoming a mother / parent - and how it impacts birthing and non-birthing parents mental health beyond the birth. We break down practical insights on recognising early warning signs, overcoming guilt, and the importance of a support system that respects your experiences. Nikki’s story highlights the critical need for better mental health education and accessible resources for all parents, regardless of background or circumstances. Her honesty sheds light on the unspoken emotional landscape parenthood, emphasising that you are not alone in your struggles - and that healing begins with acknowledgment.

Perfect for anyone navigating the complexities of parenthood, mental health professionals, or those supporting loved ones through postpartum challenges. If you believe in breaking the silence and advocating for real conversations, this episode is a must-listen. Tap into Nikki’s journey of resilience and learn how embracing vulnerability can be a powerful step toward recovery.

You can find Nikki at www.theschottishsoulsister.com and her book 'Homebird' is available on amazon.

UK Perinatal Mental Health Support If you or your partner are struggling, you are not alone.

* NHS: Contact your GP, midwife, or health visitor.

* Urgent Support: Call NHS 111 (Option 2) or 999 in an emergency.

* PANDAS Foundation: Specialist support for perinatal mental illness and partners.

* Samaritans: Call 116 123 for 24/7 emotional support.

Connect with OT Intuition:

* Instagram: @ot_intuition and @perinatalmh_burnoutot

* Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ot_intuition

* Website: otintuition.co.uk/home

Health Anxiety & the Identity Shift: Jonno’s Story of Paternal Mental Health

What happens when the transition to parenthood is immediately shadowed by a perinatal mental health illness? In this deeply honest conversation, I am joined by Jonno, who shares his experience of navigating sever mental health anxiety following the birth of his firstborn son with his wife, Hayley.

Jonno speaks honestly about how a physical diagnosis triggered a disproportionate nervous system response, creating an internal illness that made it incredibly difficult to be emotionally and physically available for his new family. Through the lens of OT Intuition, we explore the unspoken pressure on parents and carers o remain stable while struggling with their own mental health and the challenge of reclaiming a sense of safety during such a massive life pivot.

Sharing these stories reduces shame, builds connection, and reminds us that even the most capable parents need support.

UK Perinatal Mental Health Support If you or your partner are struggling, you are not alone.

* NHS: Contact your GP, midwife, or health visitor.

* Urgent Support: Call NHS 111 (Option 2) or 999 in an emergency.

* PANDAS Foundation: Specialist support for perinatal mental illness and partners.

* Samaritans: Call 116 123 for 24/7 emotional support.

Connect with OT Intuition:

* Instagram: @ot_intuition and @perinatalmh_burnoutot

* Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ot_intuition

* Website: otintuition.co.uk/home

Guest Jonno Butler, husband of wife Hayley Butler - Co-Founder of The First years UK: https://www.thefirstyears.co.uk/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQXBOZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB2VkhsVjQxWUx4eEdFNmFkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi63XJkG0Xpgu8XnW5iMI1gf5f7ISip13BcnQE9H9MVTfHcSAbxN1GOS771E_aem_ekLqkHblSlZFFG4Poc0BNw