Rainworth business owner who fought post-natal depression urges people to speak out about mental health issues

Danielle Crowson has opened up about the struggles she faced with post-natal depression in the hope of helping others going through the same issue.

The 36-year-old went from being so low to the point where she could no longer get out of bed anymore to completely turning her life around and becoming the owner of a successful business.

She said: "Struggling with post natal depression and anxiety is very real. Following the birth of my last child, I really hit rock bottom with regards to my mental frame of mind.

"Just going through life in general was incredibly difficult. I had the usual thoughts of "life would be so much better without me", and I'd often be reduced to tears for no reasons at all. I often felt so low to the point where I couldn't even get out of bed anymore.

"Further still, things progressively went from bad to worse. Sadly, I lost my friends along the way and ended up on antidepressants. There genuinely seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

"Whilst on antidepressants, I tried to shift my attention to things like driving lessons just to keep my mind away from all the negative thoughts. I eventually gave up on the driving lessons as I struggled to focus well enough on actually passing the theory test."

However, reminding herself of everything she is passionate about has inspired her to open a cake shop called Danielle's Cupcake Heaven and keep her mind healthy through being busy.

The inspiration to really try and turn her life around was helped with the reaction she received from past friends who would see her in the street and tell her how well she was doing.

Danielle added: "When you are down and depressed it's so important to remember your passions, that's what helped me get to where I am now. Keeping busy with my cake business helps maintain a healthy mindset.

"It’s also amazing how powerful even the smallest acts of kindness really are. Just knowing there are people out there kind enough to show even the slightest bit of support and encouragement can be enough.

"I combined the support shown from other people with my passion for being creative and baking cakes. That was just level of focus I needed to start my business."

Danielle came up with the idea of opening up about her mental health and encouraging others to do the same following the news of TV presenter Caroline Flack’s death. She went on to state just how important it is for people learn to be kind to one another as a result.

"We all have our battles and we all deal with things differently,” she said.

“The more people think of it like that the easier it will be to act with kindness.

"Talk to people, If you are really struggling, try it. You wont believe how much it helps to open up about it.

"I really couldn’t have hoped to be where I am today without the support structure I have in place. The way I look at it is, If I can do it, absolutely anyone else can too."

Margaret Lewis from the mental health charity Mind said: "We agree that everyone should be more kind. It's so important to be there for one another as a society.

"Additionally, if you are or know of anyone who is struggling mentally there are many Mind charities and alternate organisations across the UK who can help."

The Mind infoline provides information and signposting and is available 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) on 0300 123 3393.

Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans 24/7 by calling 116 123.