ADVANCE INFORMATION SHEET

Fine (Not Fine): Perspectives and Experiences of Postnatal DepressionBy Bridget Hargreave

"Most mothers, indeed parents, describe the experience of having a child as magical. In fact, in the days after my first baby was born, a friend told me, "It's a magical time, those first few days." I remember repeating this to my husband wryly: we shook our heads and braced ourselves for another day." - Bridget Hargreave

It is time for the truth to come out about postnatal depression (PND), to remove the mask of motherhood, open up the conversation about baby blues and post traumatic stress disorder, PND, anxiety and psychosis. For there are mental health concerns associated with pregnancy, labour, and being a new parent. They're real and they do happen. And, there's help out there for those suffering. Bridget writes openly, passionately, realistically and truthfully.Fine (Not Fine)is so much more than a journal of her experiences of PND (although her writing is at times so raw and reflective, with the inclusion of notes and emails that were recorded while in the midst of PND that must have been so difficult for her to read again, let alone lay out in front of the world, as she has done), but it is also a record of her journey to explore, challenge and unpack the reality and challenges of PND and other perinatal mental health conditions.Fine (Not Fine)is exceptional and unique because of its wealth of sources: with the inclusion of interviews with professionals including GPs, counsellors, perinatal psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and support groups such as Tommy's, to people who have lived through PND, psychosis, anxiety and PTSD (among other mental health conditions) - all related to becoming a parent in some way or another.

Ultimately, this isthebook that every adult should read - ideallybeforebecoming a parent.Fine (Not Fine)is a rallying call for recognition and proper treatment for a series of illnesses that are so often pushed under the carpet or patronised.

About the Author

In 2009, in her early 30s, Bridget Hargreave gave birth to her first son. She developed PND almost immediately after, and then again after her second son was born in 2011, despite her best efforts to stop it in its tracks. Bridget was fortunate to be quickly diagnosed, and supported through medical and therapeutic means, and through her close network of friends and family. But the situation left her with the feeling that there could - and should - be so much more help made available. Whilst pregnant with her second child, Bridget started to write about how she was feeling. She continued writing, sporadically, up until 2015 when she was contracted to write a full length book for Free Association Books. When she isn't writing and researching, Bridget Hargreave is a freelance communications consultant specialising in working with charities. She lives and works in southeast London with her husband and two sons.

For more information, editorial opportunities, interview requests or review copies please get in touch with either Sam Batt or Helen Lewis:SamuelBatt@LiterallyPR.comorHelenLewis@LiterallyPR.com+44 (0) 8709 619 069.

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