Bestselling author Sarah Vaughan, known for her gripping psychological thrillers, has bravely shared her personal battle with maternal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that left her terrified she might harm her newborn baby.
The Hidden Struggle of a New Mother
Vaughan, whose novels like Anatomy of a Scandal have captivated readers worldwide, described how the disorder manifested shortly after the birth of her first child. "I was consumed by intrusive thoughts and overwhelming anxiety," the author revealed. "The fear that I might accidentally hurt my baby was paralysing."
Understanding Maternal OCD
Unlike postpartum depression, maternal OCD often goes unrecognised. Symptoms include:
- Intrusive thoughts about harming the baby
- Compulsive checking behaviours
- Extreme anxiety about contamination
- Ritualistic behaviours to "prevent" harm
"I would check her breathing dozens of times each night," Vaughan admitted. "The rational part of me knew these fears were unfounded, but the compulsion was overwhelming."
Breaking the Silence
The author hopes her story will help other mothers recognise the symptoms and seek help. "There's still so much stigma around maternal mental health," she said. "I want women to know they're not alone and that with proper treatment, recovery is possible."
Experts estimate that maternal OCD affects approximately 3-5% of new mothers, though many cases go undiagnosed. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication can be highly effective treatments.
From Darkness to Light
Vaughan credits therapy and support from loved ones for her recovery. "Writing became my therapy too," she revealed. "Creating characters who face their darkest fears helped me process my own experience."
The author's courageous disclosure has been met with an outpouring of support from readers and fellow authors alike, shining a light on this often-misunderstood condition.
