Joanne Robe was even convinced her loved ones had been killed in a terrorist attack as she fought the devastating effects of puerperal psychosis.

The disorder hits an estimated one in 1,000 mothers. They experience symptoms ranging from severe depression and insomnia to delusions and hallucinations.

Joanne, from Pallion, in Sunderland, began showing signs of the condition just weeks after the birth of her first child Ryan last year.

"It all seemed to happen so quickly," said Joanne. "It was about two weeks after I'd had Ryan when I started to behave erratically. I'd complain about the temperature in the house being either too hot or too cold. I was really paranoid about Ryan's condition.

"I then started hearing things. I couldn't hold a proper conversation, and it went from that to hallucinations and delusions.

"I was seeing things on TV and outside the house. I thought there were bombs going off. I honestly believed my family had been killed in a terrorist attack. It was absolutely terrifying. It was like a horror film."

After being misdiagnosed with a water infection, as her condition worsened, the 30-year-old was admitted to Cherry Knowle mental health hospital before being sent to St George's Hospital, in Morpeth, Northumberland, for specialist care.

"It was horrific for me, but it must have been a million times worse for my family," said Joanne. "There are still periods of what happened that I have no recollection of, but they can remember everything. It must have been terrible to see me going through that."

With the help and support of hospital staff in Morpeth and her caring family, Joanne has recovered and has returned to her job as a business leader with an insurance company.

More than a year on, she has recovered and is enjoying life with partner Phil Warne, 35, and Ryan, 22 months, and is campaigning to raise awareness of the condition, which is linked to genetics or a change in hormones.

Joanne added: "I appeared on GMTV with Lorraine Kelly to publicise the illness and highlight the need for specialist care for post-natal illnesses across the country.

"Many people face a postcode lottery when it comes to care. Had I been North of Tyne, treatment would have been different. There should be funding for a perinatal team in Sunderland.

"A mental health establishment is not the right environment for someone suffering puerperal psychosis. New mothers with the problem need specialist care."

For more information about puerperal psychosis, visit www.pni.org.uk or
www.puerperalpsychosis.org.uk