Having a baby is one of the biggest joys in life, yet unfortunately for many women, it can be the beginning of a mental struggle. With such a massive life change comes uncertainty and anxiety, as you are now responsible for the health and well-being of a small baby. Add to that the sleepless nights, and it’s no wonder many parents feel the strain. While much of this is a normal part of motherhood, for some it can begin to take over and lead to postnatal depression.
What are the Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?
Postnatal depression is different from the typical ‘baby blues’ that happen for two or three weeks after the birth of a baby, usually caused by the rebalancing of hormones. Postnatal depression symptoms are similar to chronic depression, but the onset begins after recently having a baby.
Symptoms include a persistent feeling of being low, feeling inadequate, or even detached from life and the baby, and this can continue indefinitely. Some may experience distressing, intrusive thoughts about harming themselves or their baby, and this leads to feelings of guilt and fear. While this is alarming for anyone to go through, it is important to know that acting on these feelings is very unlikely and it is simply an unpleasant response to feeling overwhelmed and afraid.
Talking to others about your feelings may seem hard, as society expects mothers to be natural at caring for their child. When you open up to friends that you can trust, especially friends who are mothers, you may be surprised at how common it is to have some level of distressing thoughts and low episodes.
When to Seek Help
If you are feeling low or feeling like you can’t bond with your baby, you may be suffering from postnatal depression. It is important to seek help straight away, as neither you nor your baby should be robbed of the joy that you get from one another. The good news is that there are many options available to overcome this challenging condition.
It is always recommended to speak with your GP if you need help with postnatal depression. Your doctor will go over all your options, which may include medication or counselling. Another option that may be beneficial is solution focused hypnotherapy, and that is something I feel can really help make a difference in getting your quality of life back.
Solution focused Hypnotherapy as a Treatment for Postnatal Depression
Hypnotherapy is a great tool in getting over postnatal depression. Hypnotherapists are trained in helping people deal with life stress and anxiety, making us perfectly positioned to help you understand your fears and give you the coping mechanisms you need.
The process of being under hypnosis is very relaxing, and you are always aware of your surroundings. Finding this quiet time to really connect with your emotions helps you gain valuable perspective, and together we can find the best ways to make changes that benefit your life.
I’m passionate about helping parents overcome postnatal depression through solution focussed hypnotherapy, enabling them to gain control over their thoughts and feelings and get the joy back into life. If you’d like to see how solution focused hypnotherapy could help you, feel free to
get in touch
at
info@dianejennings.life
Diane x 💕