Postnatal Depression

"NHS is failing new mothers", say researchers. Doctors are prescribing antidepressants rather than providing couselling and other treatments: www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/01/nhs-failing-postnatal-depression-women

Don't Suffer in Silence

Feeling low after having a baby is a normal part of the journey into parenthood. Whatever your friends say or however well they appear to be coping, it's not a bed of roses even if your little one sleeps or you have help. It is tough adjusting in the early days and weeks. It's fairly typical after the initial rush of emotions for tiredness, irritability, and tearfulness take over. It's not surprising given the hormones coursing round your body as your mind attempts to take in this life-changing event whilst surviving on less sleep than you ever thought possible to survive on. It can be a very difficult time. Take comfort, you're not alone - usually this phase is temporary.

But what happens when these feelings persist? When you feel weepy all of the time, when you can't see the funny side of anything, and you feel permanently anxious and scared and that you are just not coping? This is the time to get help. There are multiple sources of help. There is no need to suffer in silence. Websites such as the NHS choices page or the NCT offer advice and options for treating Postnatal Depression (PND) including things you can do for yourself in the first instance. Your GP or health visitor will also be a good source of information and have the ability to "test" for PND. Once diagnosed, there are many successful ways of overcoming postnatal depression. It can however be hard to make that first call or take the first step towards getting help. Help doesn't have to mean antidepressants. Sometimes drugs are the best option, but sometimes they are the only option offered for financial reasons or because the GP and health visitor have nowhere to refer on to. Either way you should always be able to ask your doctor about alternatives.

At the clinic, we provide a full range of talking therapies that can alleviate PND. Our therapists are all trained, qualified and experienced in helping people through this difficult time. Talking therapies are easy to access and there are no set rules about how many sessions you need to have. All our therapists will spend time discussing your needs and individual circumstances. If you are worried about postnatal depression or just how you're feeling right now, feel free to call us and ask about our counselling services.