Ref. 24882-2MELINDA Messenger may appear to be the girl who has everything with a modelling career, television appearances and a loving family.

But the Swindon pin-up has told of how her thoughts turned to suicide when she battled with post-natal depression after the birth of daughter Evie in December.

In spite of the dark depression, the 33-year-old, of Lower Wanborough, knew she could not put her family through the heartache of her suicide.

She told Closer magazine: "It kicked in about two weeks after having Evie and I can only describe it as like someone ripping my heart out.

"Not a day went by without me curling up in a ball and sobbing uncontrollably. I've never felt so isolated or lonely.

"There were times when I thought suicide was the only way out, but I could never have left Evie or my boys."

She praised her husband of eight years, Wayne, for looking after Evie and Morgan, four, and Flynn, two.

"Wayne looked after the children. I would hurl abuse and scream at him for no reason, but he was absolutely wonderful," she said.

After talking to her health visitor Melinda's depression started to lift.

She added that although she would like to have another child, she would adopt rather than suffer the post-natal depression (PMT) again.

She had a similar condition after the birth of Flynn.

Around 15 per cent of mothers experience PND. To get help contact your GP or health visitor or The Association for Postnatal Illness by calling 020 7386 0868 or visiting www.apni.org

Click here for our Melinda website.