Mrs Jeffery, who experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first son and a condition called postnatal psychosis after her second son’s arrival, made it through her personal storm and is doing her bit to raise awareness.

Mrs Jeffery shares her journey, the experiences of others and professional articles in her book Encouraging Mums with Hope: Light in the Darkness of Maternal Depression.

“I wanted to write the book so mothers wouldn’t feel alone,” she said.

Mrs Jeffery will stage a book signing at Port Macquarie’s Koorong bookstore, 141 Gordon Street, from 11am on February 13.

The book signing follows a Mid North Coast Local Health District community awareness event for the 2018 Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week during which Mrs Jeffery was the guest speaker.

Mrs Jeffery said the book brought encouragement and acted as a guidebook to help mothers experiencing maternal mental illness.

She said when mothers came out the other side, they realised it was only one part of their life and just one season.

Encouraging Mums with Hope: Light in the Darkness of Maternal Depression is divided into three sections - body, soul and spirit.

“I think it’s important to get holistic help when facing maternal mental illness,” she said.

The Coffs Harbour resident said we needed to smash the stigma around mental illness.

Mrs Jeffery would like to organise more speaking engagements in the Port Macquarie area to share her story.

Go to Nicki Jeffery’s website for more information or to contact her about speaking engagement opportunities.

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