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A Bristol mum has revealed she became so desperate during her battle with postnatal depression that she “begged” nurses to let her die.

Amy Steele gave birth to daughter Maddie at Southmead Hospital - an experience that left her desperate to take her own life.

Amy has since recovered from the ordeal, which saw her being sent more than 100 miles away, and is now working to change attitudes to mental health in the workplace.

Bristol Live first covered this story 18 months ago and we are republishing it today (Sunday, March 8) to mark International Women’s Day.

The reason Amy’s story is being republished is because she is one of thousands of women in Bristol who have inspired others through their bravery, strength of character, leadership and determination.

Last year, Amy was a finalist in the Young Person of the Year (under 35) category at the Bristol Post and Bristol Live Business Awards.

(Image: Publicity Picture)

The judges felt Amy should be highly commended after helping to change attitudes to mental health at her company, Funky Pigeon.

She did this with a campaign that included a range of get well mental health cards that she designed after her traumatic experience.

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“My whole aim was to break the stigma around mental health and give people the opportunity to send someone a message to let them know they are thinking of them,” she said.

“I know how hard it is to speak out but it was the best thing I ever did. My illness got worse before it got better but if I hadn’t told someone who knows where I would be now.”

Looking to the future, Amy says she now wants to raise awareness of depression and help other people who are suffering.

She added: “I don’t want anybody in the world to feel how I was feeling - to feel so desperate and low that you don’t want to be here anymore.

“If I just help one person to say it’s ok to talk about it, then my mission is accomplished.”

If you have concerns about your mental health or know someone who needs help, visit mind.org.uk . If you want to speak to someone, contact Samaritans for free on 116 123.