Beating postnatal depression

It is not uncommon for new mums to feel worried and anxious following the birth of baby. In fact, it is perfectly normal.  But if this low feeling continues it can develop into a more serious mental health condition called postnatal depression and there is growing concern that mothers and their babies are suffering needlessly. 

Psychotherapist Sarah Bateup, clinical lead for PsychologyOnline, says the symptoms of postnatal depression do vary and that sometimes makes it easy to miss.

“The obvious symptoms are loss of pleasure and tearfulness, not just for a day but for three weeks or more. In addition, the loss of enjoyment of things, excessive worrying and not being able to fall asleep when the baby is quiet are warning signs.

“Sufferers can also feel physically unwell; they might be nauseous, have a racing heart, headaches to name a few symptoms.

“Not taking good care of oneself, not eating, washing or dressing, or not feeding or caring for the baby are more extreme symptoms,” she explains.

About one in seven mums will suffer this form of depression within the first few months of giving birth, but many can be helped to recover with just a few sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy. 

PsychologyOnline’s approach to CBT – which allows one-to-one therapy from the comfort of your own home, still in pyjamas if necessary – is particularly beneficial for new mothers.  Sarah says that sometimes just a couple of sessions is all that is required to re-adjust someone’s thinking and give them strategies for coping. 

However, there is growing evidence that women suffering from postnatal depression are not receiving the help they require and this can have an impact on the development of the baby.

PsychologyOnline and Infertility Network UK  are investigating the situation with a survey of new mums.  If you or someone you know would be prepared to take part in our short and confidential questionnaire, please click here.

Sarah will soon be leading a webinar with guest speakers on the subject of coping with postnatal depression.  If you would like to register your interest please send your name, company (if applicable) and email address to info@psychologyonline.co.uk  with “postnatal webinar” in the subject field.

PsychologyOnline signs new partnership deal with Surrey and Borders Partnership

Live, online, text-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) will now be available to more NHS patients in Surrey following a new partnership agreement between PsychologyOnline and Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The partnership deal will increase access to talking therapies for those in Surrey who find it difficult to attend face-to-face sessions, as well as helping to reduce waiting times and offering greater patient choice.

Raj Rutah, associate director at Surrey and Borders Partnership, says the scheme “embraces new technologies and methodologies” and will improve outcomes.

“We want to provide our patients with choice so they can select the therapies and treatment that will work best for them.

“The busy lives of many of our patients mean they struggle to keep face-to-face appointments during the day. By working with PsychologyOnline, we are enhancing the treatment options for people with families, full-time jobs and for those who can’t or don’t want to leave the sanctuary of their own home.”

PsychologyOnline use only UK-trained and accredited therapists, who “talk” to patients using a secure instant messaging system. Written CBT has been shown to be very effective at treating a range of conditions including mild to severe depression, phobia, stress and anxiety disorders.

Barnaby Perks, chief executive officer at PsychologyOnline, says that the partnership is an example of how greater flexibility can be offered within existing NHS structures.

“Surrey and Borders Partnership is well known to GPs in the region and often the first point of call for referrals. By offering our text-based online therapy alongside face-to-face and group therapy, Surrey and Borders Partnership will be able to offer greater choice. There is no waiting list for treatment for those patients who choose the online therapy option.”

PsychologyOnline already provides therapy on prescription across all five Surrey CCG areas under the Any Qualified Provider scheme, but GPs have limited time to explain all the options to patients. The agreement with Surrey and Borders Partnership will allow experienced staff to assess each person and explain the differences between the treatments available, to help patients select the therapy that is right for them.

Support for clinical governance is another benefit of PsychologyOnline’s approach, as Barnaby explains: “Text-based therapy is particularly effective in allowing us to monitor the performance of our therapists and their outcomes. Patients keep the same highly-qualified and experienced therapist for the duration of their treatment to ensure continuity of care.”

Therapy from PsychologyOnline is available at flexible times, including evenings and weekends. It can take place at home or wherever the patient is most comfortable and all that is needed is access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with a stable internet connection.

Surrey and Borders Partnership has appointed PsychologyOnline a key partner in any future Improving Access to Psychological Therapy bids as part of a bundle of services.

www.psychologyonline.co.uk.