Actor Describes Postnatal OCD Experience in New Book and Show

An actor has described the early period of motherhood as the darkest time of her life while discussing her experience with postnatal obsessive compulsive disorder. The actor said she did not realize other mothers faced similar difficulties until she began speaking about her own challenges. She added that her profession can increase feelings of isolation during difficult periods.

A book titled She Seems Fine to Me was released earlier this month. A one-woman show called Baby Brain is scheduled to tour venues across the UK in the coming months. The actor said she had been hesitant to share details of her experience but found that discussing it encouraged others to speak about their own situations.

The actor said deciding to have a child was a significant step after years of apprehension. She recalled learning six weeks into pregnancy that she was likely to miscarry after hormone levels dropped sharply, followed by further disruptions from a major storm and the Covid pandemic.

Hospital rules changed repeatedly before the birth, prompting a planned caesarean section. The actor described an immediate shift in mood after delivery despite medical confirmation that the infant was healthy.

The actor said intrusive thoughts led to compulsive behaviors and a sense of constant danger. After researching symptoms online, the actor recognized the condition as postnatal OCD and sought professional help. The actor also received later diagnoses of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sharing experiences publicly contributed to a gradual improvement, the actor said.