CUSTARD CREAMS FELT LIKE WINNING LOTTERY

partner. It was really tough at times.”

Another source of “stigma and shame” was her mental health diagnosis. Elizabeth was terrified at times her mental health would deteriorate to such an extent her children might have to stay with other members of the family if she was hospitalised.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder as an adult – a condition she controls with medication but which can cause depressive highs and lows.

“Social services were always a great support in making sure the kids could stay with me or family when we devised a crisis plan,” she said. “My GP and health visitor have been really encouraging that I do a great job as a mum and I just need some help with medication from time to time. But it is not a failing reaching out for support – it is strength.

“Mental health is talked about a lot more now but there can still be a lot of shame around mental health. I was diagnosed as an adult. My condition means I can either feel manic or depressed and stress can put me at risk of psychosis but I take medication and my condition is controlled.”

Looking back on the last four years, Elizabeth is proud of what she has achieved despite how tough it has been. She said her children are happy and she is positive about the future, although she knows there will be times when she feels isolated, lonely and worried.

She said she wanted to share her story to give the millions of other single parents out there hope that things can get better and support is available. “Being a single parent can really challenge us physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and socially,” she said. I realise there will always be highs and lows but being a single parent gets easier because you know you can do it. I am proud now I know the worth in what I have done.”

Elizabeth is an ambassador for Single Parents Wellbeing. Anyone wanting help can go to www. singleparentswellbeing.com