Laura Huggett – Counsellor

Post Natal Depression is an experience characterised by persistent low mood, tearfulness, anxiety and other depressive symptoms following childbirth. Similar to a general depressive episode symptoms usually begin within the first four weeks of childbirth. While PND is assumed to be a reaction to motherhood (social adjustment, aspects of loss, identity crisis, failed expectations, hormones, post traumatic stress) this may not be the case and can sometimes reflect on events in one’s own childhood.

Research shows that women who had experienced low care and/or high control in childhood were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with PND. Often the experience of giving birth can trigger unconscious material from childhood.

Treatment remains in the UK largely curative: antidepressants, self-help and short term CBT therapy. While these treatments help reduce or eradicate difficult feelings, some women need deeper understanding of their post natal difficulties. While medications can eliminate the symptoms of PND it ignores the deeper issues.

Talking therapy can help women make sense of their PND which can be significantly empowering and provide an opportunity to work on unexplored emotional material. While PND can be incredibly traumatic it can also become a positive experience due to the healing of previously unresolved issues.

While talking therapy may not be the cheapest or fastest approach it offers women the potential for appropriate care and support that facilitates understanding and growth through their difficult postnatal experience.

For further information or to make an appointment with the Dental Spa’s resident Counsellor Laura, please call the practice on: 01743 343433 or email: info@the-dentalspa.co.uk