MODEL mum Melinda Messenger has sent out a message of hope to women suffering from post-natal depression.

Every year thousands of women suffer clinical depression after giving birth.

And with Mother's Day approaching it is estimated that one in 10 new mums will spend the day suffering the effects.

Swindon star Melinda says that she became depressed after the birth of her second and third children.

She felt very down and had headaches that made her think she was dying, she said.

"Looking back I couldn't see an end to the hell I was experiencing, she said.

"I saw my life falling apart and there was nothing I could do."

The symptoms can include feeling miserable and crying for no reason, through to severe depression and even thoughts of suicide.

But many of the symptoms can be treated with support and prescribed medication.

The turning point for Melinda came when her GP diagnosed her condition.

After that she could then begin to understand what was happening to her and cope with her feelings through therapy.

"Helping mums to realise there is professional support out there for them this Mother's Day can make a real difference to their lives," she said. It is not the first time that Melinda has been involved in work to promote better mental health.

In 2006 the ex-model, who now lives in Newbury, returned home to Swindon to open the Oak Lodge Crisis House, at Sandalwood Court, Stratton.

The centre is run by voluntary organisation Swindon Mind, with the crisis team from the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust.

At the time she said the centre would be invaluable'.

"As somebody who has had first-hand experience of mental illness, a place like this will be a lifeline for those who need it most," she said.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust hosts a course in Swindon to help mums understand and learn how to cope with post-natal depression and anxiety.

For more information visit your GP or www.awp.nhs.uk.