Hollyoaks, Lime Pictures’ continuing drama, is set to highlight postpartum psychosis in a new storyline focused on Cleo McQueen and her struggles with mental health, following a traumatic birth experience.
The team has worked alongside national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), who have consulted with the cast members involved in the storyline and advised on the storytelling process.
According to the charity, around 1,200 cases of postpartum psychosis (PP) occur each year in the UK.
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“Responsible portrayals of PP on popular TV shows such as Hollyoaks are invaluable,” said Dr Jess Heron, CEO, Action on Postpartum Psychosis.
“With greater public awareness, partners, friends, family members and frontline health professionals will be more able to quickly spot the signs and seek specialist emergency help as soon as possible. We’re grateful to Hollyoaks for playing a part in awareness raising and for their diligent approach to producing a sensitive and accurate storyline.”
On screen this week, the character Cleo McQueen, played by Nadine Mulkerrin, went into premature labour at 28 weeks with her baby, Joseph, and was rushed to hospital.
Following a traumatic birth, the storyline explores Cleo’s mental health journey as her loved ones urge her to seek help when they notice she is displaying worrying behaviour — including struggling to believe that her baby is really hers.
According to APP, many mothers with postpartum psychosis do not experience symptoms of depression, but instead quickly lose touch with reality. As a result, most are unable to recognise their symptoms or seek help themselves, leaving loved ones to step in and get them the care they need.
Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays Cleo McQueen, added: “It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a new mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health. We had a consultation with APP [Action on Postpartum Psychosis] whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences – my heart breaks for poor Cleo.”
Beyond the postpartum psychosis awareness storyline, fans recently hailed the show’s special crossover episode with iconic Brookside characters to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with key stars including Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins returning for the episode.
