When SVT News Jönköping meets Mikaela Törnvall in the townhouse in Gislaved, she is still in the middle of the depression. Daughter Leia was born in September, but Mikaela feels that the birth depression made her unable to be the mother she had dreamed of.

- It has been so difficult that I did not want to keep my own daughter. It was panic just to hear her scream, says Mikaela Törnvall.

The help was delayed

When Leia was born on September 6, she did not breathe. She quickly got help, but Mikaela Törnvall feels that she was forgotten and had to go home without follow-up. It was not until two and a half months later that her birth depression was noticed.

- I've felt forgotten and think that care should work better, she says.

She is critical of health care and describes that she has been bullied back and forth. Now she gets medicine for the depression.

Women's health care about the criticism

Anneli Karlén, Head of Care Unit and Midwife at Jönköping Women's Health Care, regrets that Mikaela Törnvall had a bad experience. She also says that it is routine to ask a variety of questions to pregnant women to help those who are beginning to feel mentally ill.

Anneli Karlén is Head of Care Unit and Midwife at Jönköping Women's Healthcare Photo: Mikaela, 27, is affected by childbirth depression

- Something happens during pregnancy, we work very closely with other professionals in the family center, such as a curator, she says.

It is estimated that every seventh to eighth woman is affected by birth depression. Right now, a research project is underway, involving, among other things, Mikaela Törnvall, who is trying to find the affected women earlier and also be able to start treatment faster.