Surrey Counselling - Guildford, Godalming and Bracknell

Post Natal depression can affect anyone and usually develops about six to eight weeks after giving birth, although it can start sooner. It can start during the later stages of pregnancy in which case it is called Ante Natal Depression. Recently a survey of mothers who later developed PND showed that 63 per cent said they had sometimes felt sad and tearful, 57 per cent were very anxious about the pregnancy and birth and 22 per cent felt depressed or very sad whilst pregnant.

	Counselling for Post Natal Depression

	Post Natal Depression is one of Angela's specialities. Having had Puerperal Psychosis myself after the birth of my first child I do understand how distressing PND can be. Even in the darkest of moments it is important to remind yourself and to be reminded that you will make a full recovery.
	Post Natal depression can affect anyone and usually develops about six to eight weeks after giving birth, although it can start sooner. It can start during the later stages of pregnancy in which case it is called Ante Natal Depression. Recently a survey of mothers who later developed PND showed that 63 per cent said they had sometimes felt sad and tearful, 57 per cent were very anxious about the pregnancy and birth and 22 per cent felt depressed or very sad whilst pregnant.
	Puerperal Psychosis is an even more serious condition than Post Natal Depression. It affects perhaps one in a thousand new mothers and usually occurs within six weeks of delivery. The symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations and other erratic and out of character behaviour. This is often first noticed by partners or family members. This is a very serious condition which usually requires treatment in hospital initially. It is essential to speak to your GP or health visitor and to tell them your symptoms. They are usually the starting point to obtain professional help.
	It is important to tell the Doctor all your symptoms, as this will help him or her to diagnose the illness. Though types of treatment may vary, they can involve the use of anti-depressant drugs. If you are breast feeding, you must inform your Doctor when being prescribed medication. Some women are reluctant to take medication and in milder cases just the consultation, and the recognition that there is an illness, is enough and they may not require further treatment. The Doctor may suggest counselling or may refer you to the Community Mental Health team who should have expertise in this area. Post Natal Depression support groups are also very helpful enabling you to meet other women who are experiencing similar feelings. This will help to reduce the feeling of isolation. Support groups can also be helpful to a partner whose understanding can make a big difference to the speed of recovery. Health visitors are also a good source of support to mothers, by visiting them in their own home on a regular basis and allowing them to talk about their feelings. To contact me phone 08712 239523 or email angela@surreycounsellingnetwork.co.uk Qualified Counsellors ~ Counselling Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire ~ working with abuse ~ anxiety ~ bereavement ~ bullying ~ depression ~ despair ~ drugs ~ panic ~ rape ~ relationships ~ sexual problems ~ stress ~ workplace problems ~ youth issues ~ HIV ~ anger management ~ post-natal ~ parenting problems ~ diversity ~ Counsellors in Guildford, Godalming, Farnham and Bracknell (Berkshire)