Louis Theroux’s new documentary will focus on postpartum mental health

Louis Theroux's new documentary will focus on postpartum mental health.

Mothers on the Edge will be released on BBC2 in May and already, people are praising Louis Theroux for shedding light on a sensitive topic that doesn't get enough attention. During the programme, Theroux will spend time in two specialist psychiatric units where mums experiencing depression, anxiety and/or psychosis are receiving treatment. He will meet them and their families and hear about their experiences both in the hospital and when they return to their homes. The acclaimed documentary maker spoke to Stylist and explained why this was a topic he felt deserved attention.

"Someone on my team bought postpartum psychosis to my attention, and if I’m entirely honest, I don’t think I knew much about it. I’d heard of postnatal depression before, but this was a new one for me. It affects about one in every 500 new mums, and symptoms include visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as profoundly irrational and disordered thoughts. It seemed to me to be a story we could do justice to".

As someone who experienced elements of postpartum psychosis, I’m thrilled that it’s @louistheroux who is exploring this extremely sensitive issue. I really hope I find the strength to watch it. https://t.co/A34Gm4NK8c

— Nicki (@nkeadon) March 20, 2019

Postpartum depression impacts some women after they give birth and it can manifest itself in a number of ways, both physically and mentally. Today, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved brexanolone, a drug which will be sold as Zulresso, for the treatment of postpartum depression. In clinical trials, it showed evidence of working within hours and experts hope it will provide relief for those who suffer from this type of depression. This is a huge step forward in terms of helping women and their families through what can be a devastating time.