Anyone who follows her on social media will know that her four children are the centre of her universe, and while she may lead a glamorous lifestyle, motherhood has brought its fair share of struggles for singer Natasha Hamilton.
The mum-of-four has spoken out about her frightening experience with prenatal depression just before welcoming fourth child Ella into the world.
The Atomic Kitten star, who is engaged to 5ive singer Ritchie Neville, spoke bravely to The Mirror as part of Sport Relief’s #MumTalk campaign.
During the interview, the 34-year-old revealed that she was struck down with ‘horrific, uncontrollable’ panic attacks which first came on ahead of travelling to Austria to be with Ritchie.
“I suddenly had palpitations and this uncontrollable feeling that I wanted to cry. I ran to the toilets sobbing and hyperventilating and was in a complete state. By the time I got to Austria and saw Ritchie I was beside myself. He tried to calm me down, but I was so confused and panicked,” she recalled.
When she was struck down with the same symptoms three days later, she knew it was time to visit her doctor, and her pregnancy was confirmed once she was back in the UK.
Recounting the “extremely difficult” ordeal, Natasha said that her symptoms – exhaustion, anxiety and depression – brought to mind her experience with postnatal depression, from her first pregnancy.
Counselling proved to be a great help to Natasha, and it was her first port of call when the symptoms returned shortly after welcoming daughter Ella, now 17 months.
In her interview, Natasha emphasised the importance of addressing your problems and seeking help.
“It’s so important to share what you’re feeling, which is why I’m speaking out today for Sport Relief’s #MumTalk campaign. Literally no one has judged me. No one has made me feel bad, and since reaching out for help life is so much better,” she told The Mirror.
