When my daughter was 8 weeks old, I spent 3 weeks in St John's Hospital's mother and baby unit.

I voluntarily admitted myself to this mental health unit because I was afraid that, if I didn't, I was at risk of ending my life.

What surprised me most about this time wasn't the crippling depression, it was what a wonderful place the MBU was. I was so well cared for physically, mentally and emotionally. It was such a warm, welcoming, calm and comfortable environment. The staff at the MBU helped me understand so much about what was happening for me at that time, and got me ready to return home and carry on living.

The week I got discharged, I went to my first PANDAS support group meeting. On walking in, one of their incredible volunteers asked how things were going for me, and I started crying. She hugged me, and said "it's all a little bit shit?" To hear that was such a relief, that I stopped crying! I was given a hot cup of tea, a chocolate biscuit, and so much warmth, welcome, support and (asked for) advice. The support network formed by regularly attending PANDAS has sustained me for the last 2 years.

This summer I'm aiming to swim 3k at Go Swim Loch Lomond. I'm asking for any sponsorship people can spare: any money raised will be split evenly between the MBU at St John's hospital, and PANDAS Forth Valley, directly supporting new mums with postnatal mental health challenges. I am so very thankful for these 2 organisations; it is not an exaggeration to say that I might not be here today without them.