Postnatal Depression - How To Come Back Stronger! School of Rock Bottom 15: Carryl Thomas

[TW//Postnatal Depression, Suicidal Thoughts] 80% of mothers experience "baby blues" but 10% have a dramatic increase in symptoms that lasts beyond the usual 1-3 weeks and can develop into postnatal depression. These symptoms were horrific for my next guest, actor Carryl Thomas, who experienced suicidal thoughts and a breakdown. She found the strength to ask for help and is now a hugely positive voice on helping other parents with baby blues, postnatal depression and finding a sense of the individual self as well as being a parent. Carryl is also mother to successful young performers and she discusses how to manage other parents and children pressures and expectations in an exciting and challenging acting industry. Carryl is an English actress who grew up in South London. Carryl studied Musical Theatre at Mountview and enjoyed a few years in West End Musicals performing in Olivier Award winning shows, such as, My Fair Lady (directed by Sir Trevor Nunn) and Our House (directed by Matthew Warchus) and then made a smooth transition into Television joining Channel 5's original soap Family Affairs as troubled teen Kelly Boulter for 3 years, where she received British Soap and Screen Nation Award Nominations. Carryl subsequently joined the cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures and made a guest appearances in Holby City. Carryl created the role of Keisha in the world Premiere Flashdance directed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Other work includes filming a new crime series from the producers of CSI and Law and Order, Silent Witness, Emmerdale and Royal Variety performances. As a busy Mother of 4 boys, Carryl continues working as an actress and combines acting with running the Foundation course at Mountview. Carryl's sons seem to be following closely in her footsteps. Her eldest son made his acting debut at the National Theatre in Patrick Marber's adaptation of Three Days in the Country, her second son Oscar made his acting debut in Bridgerton for Netflix, her third son Eiden-River made his debut in Silent Witness for BBC 1 and her youngest, Lake is only 4 but is surrounded by the arts and it won’t be long before he decide to join in or indeed run for the hills! Topics 0:00 Intro 3:05 Carryl's rock bottom 6:17 Baby blues vs postnatal depression 13:35 Depression vs PND 31:00 Why did Carryl have suicidal thoughts? 32:43 How did Carryl start to get better? 36:45 The individual self vs being a parent 41:22 Being a performer vs being a parent 46:13 Advice for parents who have children in the industry 51:33 How do you maintain good mental health? 54:00 Working at Mountview 56:05 Advice for anyone connected to PND who is suffering If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode Carryl recommends visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/ This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Carryl Instagram - https://instagram.com/carrylthomas Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm Listen or watch on:  YouTube - https://bit.ly/3YrPEff Spotify - https://bit.ly/446C0zt Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4 or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts. https://bit.ly/3YrPEff