Why Kate Forbes' decision to open up about postnatal depression is so important

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, seen alongside John Swinney at the Scottish Parliament, says she now loves being a mother (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes has risen to the top of Scottish politics and is widely regarded, by SNP colleagues and opponents alike, as a capable individual. Not that many years ago, someone in her position would never have talked about mental health problems.

In revealing her experiences of postnatal depression following her daughter’s birth, Forbes has joined the growing list of prominent figures who have been instrumental in shattering this out-dated taboo.

She spoke of having “night terrors” and “day terrors” as she was “overwhelmed by fear for the baby’s health”. “I assumed I would be the person that would cause her pain and suffering and therefore it would have been better for me to be elsewhere,” she added.

Her remarks, to the Speaking of Suicide podcast, produced by a mental health charity, are important for two reasons. They remind us that public figures are human beings, just like the rest of us, who should never be reduced to hate figures. They also show that people suffering similar experiences are not alone, that such problems are not unique, and that they can be overcome.