Postnatal Depression Treatment in London and Online
Dealing with Postnatal Depression can be a very challenging experience. It can make life difficult at a time in which you are already dealing with the stressors arising from looking after a new baby. ‘Baby blues’ are not uncommon, with the majority of mothers noticing low mood, tearfulness, anxiety and more. For some parents, these issues may last for a long time, and become a more serious and debilitating condition. Nonetheless, Postnatal Depression Treatment is available with psychotherapy and at times medications. At Therapy Central, we use evidence-based interventions, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), to help individuals deal with the symptoms and causes of Postnatal depression and enable them to enjoy parenthood and live the life they want.
Continue reading to learn more about about Postnatal Depression, and what therapy can do to help.
Work with our qualified Postnatal Depression psychologists today.
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Discover Postnatal Depression Treatment
What is Postnatal Depression?
Women commonly experience the “baby blues” from 3-4 days after giving birth for approximately ten days after which it generally subsides. Up to 80% of mothers experience this and it is characterised by low mood, feeling tearful, feeling overwhelmed, and anxiety. Although having a baby is considered to be a time of happiness, this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Being a new parent brings about large changes, shock, exhaustion, stress and intense emotions, as people readjust and come to terms with their new life.
Postnatal depression occurs when these feelings last for a longer period of time within one year after giving birth. It affects one in 10 women (1) and can also be experienced by fathers/partners. Women are considered more at risk than men due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth, which can contribute to significant changes in mood.
What are the Common Features of Postnatal Depression?
There are significant differences between feeling emotional following the birth of your baby and postnatal depression, which can often be overlooked. The common signs generally seen in mothers or fathers suffering from postnatal depression are:
- Low mood, irritability and tearfulness
- Lack of energy and low motivation to do things and see people
- Poor concentration
- Self-critical thinking
- Low confidence
- Feeling unable to cope and afraid to be alone with the baby.
- Disturbed sleep and changes to appetite
- Lack of enjoyment
- Anxious thoughts about adversely affecting your pregnancy
- Worrying about your baby’s health or whether something or someone will harm your baby.
- Difficulties bonding with the baby.
- Feelings of guilt, rejection, or not being good enough.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
What Causes Postnatal Depression?
It is not known for certain what causes postnatal depression and in many cases, there may be no apparent cause. However, it is believed that biological (e.g. hormonal changes), physical (e.g. lack of sleep), social (e.g. becoming isolated) and emotional (e.g. worrying you’re not being a good mother) changes play a role.
There are various factors that are believed to contribute to an individual becoming vulnerable to developing postnatal depression (i.e. not guaranteed it will develop), including:
- Experiencing depression before or during your/partner’s pregnancy
- Relationship difficulties
- Being isolated and having little support around you
- Stressful life events or personal worries e.g. financial, housing
- Having a traumatic birth or difficult pregnancy
- Physical and emotional stress (isolation, worry and responsibility) of looking after a newborn baby.
When should I get Postnatal Depression Treatment?
When feelings of low mood, irritability, exhaustion and other features linked to postnatal depression persist for weeks then it may be something more than the baby blues, and treatment for postnatal depression may be needed. This is the time to seek help and explore whether it could be postnatal depression. Even if you are not experiencing postnatal depression, you might find that having a few supportive sessions during your period of baby blues would be helpful.
What Treatment is Best for Postnatal Depression?
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2) recommends psychological intervention such as CBT. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) enables you to understand the nature of depression and learn techniques to challenge negative thoughts (that may be resulting in you judging yourself) and behaviours in order to allow you to improve your mood and therefore feel confident about being a parent.
A combination of antidepressants alongside psychological therapy such as CBT may be more effective than either treatment alone, but this depends upon the severity and the individual and needs to be discussed with your GP and therapist if applicable. Other therapeutic models may be helpful in addressing postnatal depression with regards to understanding your relationships or previous life experiences.
What are the Benefits of Postnatal Depression Treatment?
Many people experiencing postnatal depression worry that they are going mad and that they are a bad parent. However, evidence-based therapy can help you in the following ways:
- Understanding and making sense of your struggles
- Addressing cognitive issues (issues with the way thoughts maintain postnatal depression)
- Developing practical strategies to manage thoughts and emotions
- Learning coping skills and techniques to regain confidence
- Cultivating greater hopefulness and embrace your role as a parent
- Gaining greater enjoyment from your time as a family
- Offering emotional support tailored around your unique needs
Some people can be hesitant to reach out for support as they worry that if they were to tell another person, including a therapist, how they are feeling, they will be judged and their child(ren) will be taken into care. As described above, postnatal depression is a very common experience and with good support it is something that can be overcome.
What Happens During Postnatal Depression Treatment?
During therapy, we can explore with you what things may be maintaining your difficulties in the here and now as well as what things in your past may have played a role. We can support you to make changes and work through your difficulties to help improve how you feel. We are able to provide remote, online therapy so that you don’t have to leave your home, to be flexible around your baby.
At Therapy Central, we understand that parenthood involves some of the most significant changes in one’s life, arriving with many pressures alongside the joyous experiences. It’s usual to feel the weight of expectation from yourself and others and a wide range of emotions during pregnancy and up to a year after birth. For this reason, it is vital that you seek support, such as Postnatal Depression Treatment, during this important life transition.
Myths Surrounding Postnatal & Postpartum Depression
- Postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes.
Not only hormones cause postnatal depression. The fact it is also present in fathers, illustrates this. There are various other factors, as we mentioned which may also contribute.
- Postnatal depression will go away on its own
Not always. Without help postnatal depression can persist for months and may become a long-term issue, such as chronic depression, in some cases. You may feel others are judging you and feel guilty for not being able to ‘just snap out of it’ or ‘be positive,’ but it should not be dismissed as a minor issue.
- Becoming depressed after having a baby means I don’t love them
Absolutely not! When you are not feeling the bliss that you imagined, you felt that you should or that others expected of you, this can lead parents to feeling guilty. It is not your fault, and you wouldn’t choose it for yourself – hormonal fluctuations and genetics can play a large part.
- I am not good enough to be a parent and my baby is unsafe
It is common when experiencing postnatal depression to feel like you are failing as a parent and that your baby would be better off without you. However, this is not a true reflection of your ability to parent. Many also fear that their baby will be taken away but health professionals only have your best interest at heart and will do everything possible for this not to be the case.
- If you have postnatal depression then you hear voices
Untrue. Symptoms of postnatal depression do not include hallucinations or paranoia. Rarely, women can experience these as a result of a serious condition called postpartum psychosis.
Our therapists specialised in Postnatal Depression
All of our therapists are qualified psychologists, psychotherapists or counsellors registered with several professional bodies. These include the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), as well as, BACP, UKCP and BABCP.
Our therapists use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), psychodynamic, humanistic and integrative approaches tailored around your needs to help you deal with your unique challenges and reach your goals.
Testimonials
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The Therapist l had was absolutely brilliant with me. He had patience with me and bit by bit l gained a little of confidence to try and get out and go on the buses.
He deserves an award and if l could l would in the beginning l thought how is this person going to get me back on public transport but he did he gave me the confidence l lost and now have back.
I will never forget him and what he has done for me. I wish him nothing but the best in his life.
(Patricia)
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My therapist was excellent. I highly recommend her and I am truly thankful for my sessions, I left feeling confident and positive.
The mental tools, systems and approaches I have been able to develop with her and use in my life have been hugely beneficial.
Thank you to all at Therapy Central.
(John)
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The Therapist really gave me the space to talk and express my feelings and fears in a very comforting environment.
She was there not only to listen, but challenge my thinking, guide me during the uncertainty I was experiencing and give me useful and practical tips to improve my mental health and wellbeing. Highly recommended!
(George)
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Working with the therapist has been a life-changing experience. Each session has been invaluable, helping me gain a good understanding of CBT methodology enabling me to incorporate ways to combat stress and anxiety in my daily life.
The Therapist shows that she really cares and has the ability to make you feel calm whilst discussing any personal issue.
(Richard)
Fees & Insurances
Therapy, Counselling and CBT sessions are 50 minutes long and are usually held at regular weekly time slots.
Free
15 Minute initial
Phone consultation
£95
Psychological Therapy/
Counselling (Self-funded)
£120
Couples Therapy/
Family Therapy
Covered by
Your Private Healthcare Insurance Provider
Postnatal Depression Treatment in London and Online
If you are looking for Postnatal Depression Treatment in Central London or Online, at Therapy Central we can help you learn the strategies you need to start tackling low mood, tearfulness, low self-confidence and other symptoms of postnatal depression. With the help of a psychologist, expert in working with people with postnatal depression you’ll be enabled to make the crucial changes to bring balance and fulfilment back into your life and draw more enjoyment parenthood and family life.
It’s not easy to recognise that you might have postnatal depression, but as we’ve seen this is quite common, and it’s certainly not your fault to experience it. You don’t have to face postnatal depression alone. Start managing it with a postnatal depression therapist in London or Online today. Our therapist have a many years of experience in helping clients with this type of isse.
Contact us for a free 15 min consultation with a qualified psychologist to see if our help would fit your needs. You can also get in touch via email at info@therapy-central.com or call us at (+44) 020 348 82797.
COVID-19 notice: Online and Telephone Anxiety Therapy and CBT is now provided for continued care, support and safety. We’re here to help. No matter what.
FAQ
What happens after I make an enquiry?
After receiving your enquiry, we’ll contact you to organise a FREE phone consultation. You will tell us more about your specific circumstances and needs and ask any questions you have. Then, if you want to proceed with therapy or counselling, we’ll match you with the therapist(s) with the best expertise to help you with your challenges and send you a list of their available appointment slots. If you’re satisfied with one of these, we can then go ahead and book your first appointment. You can also request to work with a specific practitioner, and, depending on availability, we’ll try to accommodate this.
What happens at my first appointment with the therapist?
Your first session will likely be different from future appointments. You and your therapist will get to know each other and will begin to build a working alliance. It will be a chance to have the confidential space to express your circumstances, feelings and thoughts and being listened to with depth, attention, empathy and without judgement. Your therapist will likely ask you more about your reasons for seeking therapy and any symptoms you’re experiencing. You may also be asked questions about your past and the history of your issues, as well as how they currently impact your life in the present. Finally, your first session may be a powerful place to discuss what you would like to achieve with therapy and agree on the length, methods, and treatment approaches.
Is online therapy effective?
If you choose online over in-person therapy, rest assured that this has been proven to be just as effective as regular face to face therapy, and in some cases, even more effective. Also, choosing online therapy brings additional benefits, for example, avoiding long waiting times, greater flexibility with appointments, and you won’t need to travel to our practice. You can enjoy online therapy from the comfort of your home.
How long the Therapy/counselling sessions last?
Therapy/counselling sessions last 50 minutes and are held at regular weekly time slots. On occasions, we can allow some flexibility. You can discuss this with your therapist.
Do you offer reduced rates/concessions?
We offer low-cost rates at £60 per session to people with a low income, unemployed, students and NHS workers. Please highlight in your enquiry if you would like a concession rate and how you qualify for this. Depending on the availability of our therapists, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
We have a 48 hours no-fee cancellation policy. However, you will be charged for sessions missed without giving the full notice.
Our Practice in Central London
Our comfortable and confidential therapy rooms are conveniently located 3 min walk from Oxford Circus station, in Central London (see map below). Change starts with Talking!
Learn more about anxiety
Postnatal Depression Treatment info NHS
Postnatal Depression Self-Help
Other issues we work with at Therapy Central
Learn more about how CBT works
References
[1] Centre for Mental Health, LSE Personal Social Services Research Unit. The costs of perinatal mental health problems – report summary (2015)
[2] NICE. Antenatal and postnatal mental health: clinical management and service guidance. Clinical guideline CG192 (2014)
Authors:
Dr Sheetal Dandgey, Counselling Psychologist
