A Greenhithe mum-of-two has told how pre and postnatal depression (PND) led to the breakdown of her marriage, and concerns she could lose her kids.

Rachel Devine, 25, suffered a year of hell as she struggled to come to terms with her condition, and to seek medical help.

The mum to two-year-old Teddy and Evie, who turns one on Friday (Feb 12), now helps other parents suffering from depression, through a community support group.

London Road resident Mrs Devine told News Shopper: "When Evie was born, I realised it wasn't what I had with Teddy.

"It was like holding someone else's baby - there was nothing there. It was awful, I felt like a failure.

"When you have depression, you don't want people to think you are a bad mum.

"I couldn't pull myself off the sofa. My relationship broke down. I didn't have the energy to play with Teddy.

News Shopper:

"It was a really bad time. I would sob my eyes out. I couldn't function.

"It was at the point where you could have taken my children away. I've lost my husband, we are separated at the moment.

"He still comes round daily to see the kids - but I couldn't cope and I pushed him away."

Mrs Devine finished a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in November, but concerns she was a bad mum stopped her seeking help until 16 weeks after Evie's birth.

She added: "I still have my down days - every day is a challenge for everybody.

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"I am still on medication, but I am hoping to come off in June. I don't want to be on it for the rest of my life."

Mrs Devine now runs Mummy on the Mend every Friday, from 12.30-2pm, at St Mary's Church in Mounts Road.

She is CRB checked, and kids and babies are welcome.

News Shopper:

Mrs Devine said: "My aim is to make sure no mums or dads feel as scared, lonely or isolated as I did.

"It's a support group when mums can come and not be judged.

"In the first session, one mum cried the whole way through.

"I didn't think PND was very common, but it is. I have had to go through the darkest time.

"It's the support of the local community that's brought me out, otherwise I would be in the house alone."