Netmums supports postnatal depression research

Netmums recently supported PsychologyOnline with a research project, that aimed to see if mothers at risk of postnatal depression (PND) could be identified before they gave birth.

Researchers found that women who were socially isolated, had struggled to become pregnant or were embarrassed to ask for help were among those most vulnerable. This suggests that improving the questions on a midwife booking form could help better target those who may need support after giving birth.

Postnatal depression can even affect women that have adopted children so it can be part of the readjustment to parenthood, psychotherapist Kate Tilbury, from PsychologyOnline says:

“It is a big life change to go from an independent person to providing 24/7 care for someone who is totally dependent on you, however much wanted and loved that baby is.

“Women often have high expectations of themselves as mothers and can feel judged by those around them. If you don’t have supportive family prepared to help and are unable to notice in yourself that you may need help - which may in turn prevents you from reaching out to others - then this combination of factors can make you vulnerable to PND."

The survey asked women about their personal circumstances (support network) and their attitudes to talking about their feelings and used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to provide a widely recognised indicator of the severity of depression.

Health professionals are given very little training in PND, Jo Morton was an experienced midwife when she had her first child, but she didn’t at first recognise that she had PND herself.

 “Training to be a midwife you cover baby-blues briefly but you don’t want to scare women by dwelling on it, so I was unprepared for the severity of it.

 “I was in denial at first, I had good days and bad and put it down to being tired or being a new mum, but it really hit me at 5 months and then there was no escape. I did get unhelpful comments like ‘what have you got to be sad about', 'pull yourself together’ but when people realised how ill I was they became more supportive.”

Jo eventually recovered after private therapy and, realising how little support is available to mothers, set up a PND support-group called House of Light.

She says; “Women that come to us report physical symptoms, pounding headaches, chest pain, feelings of being numb or overwhelmed, feelings that if they can escape everything will be better and this can lead to suicidal tendencies. Many women are worried their children will be taken away if they admit to how bad they feel.”

Kate continues:“Many women (and their babies) are suffering needlessly from postnatal depression as the symptoms are not widely recognised and this can delay access to the effective treatment that is currently available to those in need.

“Often mothers only require a few of sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy to feel significantly better, so identifying those at risk at an earlier stage could help thousands of mothers gain greater pleasure from their babies in those first precious months.”

Both women agree that men can also feel overwhelmed by the new responsibility and suffer from PND, and that partners often feel they “can’t do anything right” and don’t know how best to provide the support needed.

Kate continues: “Having a baby has an impact on a couple, it requires readjustment of roles.  Having external, objective support from a therapist can help to show that difficulties making the transition are normal and to be expected.”

Self help tips

However much you may have prepared and planned for this baby, no one can quite prepare you for what life will be like, keep an eye out for any unhelpful or unrealistic expectations of yourself or others.

Here are some of the self help tips mentioned by participants in the webinar that PsychologyOnline hosted to discuss the research:

• Feeling low after having a baby is normal, it is helpful to try and remember this
• Talk to someone – family, friends or professionals can all help in different ways.
• Talk to other mothers about their feelings and experiences and be honest about your own – you will find other mothers who feel/felt very similarly.
• Taking a bit of time for yourself is important, so you remember that you are not just a mother
• Don’t feel the need to pretend that you are doing well – allow yourself to acknowledge whatever feelings you have and try and invite others to show their support
• The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you will recover, so always ask if you find yourself with any symptoms.
• You will not be judged on your ability as a mother – postnatal depression is common.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy can be very beneficial for PND and online therapy is confidential, accessible and does not require you to leave the house for appointments. 
• You use instant messaging to receive your therapy and appointments can be taken from home at anytime which is particularly beneficial for those with a small baby.

 PsychologyOnline is increasingly available free to NHS patients and if you have a GP in Camden or West Kent you can self refer for treatment.

Where online therapy is not available on the NHS online therapy is available without GP referral through Thinkwell (www.thinkwell.co.uk) where people can purchase sessions directly.

 If you would like to find out more about PND PsychologyOnline has prepared a presentation on YouTube http://bit.ly/1sFhuw5

World Mental Health Day in Camden

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a couple of events happening today and tomorrow in Camden.

Remploy is hosting an event  today (10th October) and Mind in Camden has an evening session tomorrow (11th October).

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

Camden is one of the first places in the country to offer self-referral for online therapy from PsychologyOnline for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

Date, time and place:

Friday 10th October 2014 – 10.00 – 14.00
Remploy Caledonian Road Branch
1st Floor Delta House, 4-10 North Road London N7 9EY

Saturday 11 October 2014 - 17.00 – 19.00
MIND in Camden, 9-15 Camden Road ,
London NW1 9LQ

World Mental Health Day in West Kent

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a several events happening today in West Kent that are a celebration of wellbeing.

It is possible for all of us to improve our own mental health and this gives us resilience to cope with the ups and downs of life.  The events this week aim to bring people together and share things that make us feel good.

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to manage. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

West Kent is one of the first places in the country to offer self-referral for online therapy  from PsychologyOnline for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

A spokesman for NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“It’s important for us to offer patients choice and help them access talking therapies quickly. By offering these therapies to patients in West Kent via a wide range of providers, we have been able to reduce our waiting times and support patients who are able to access these services faster.”

Here are some of the events happening today:

Date, time and place:

Mind Fitness
Friday 10th October lunchtime
Sevenoaks Area Mind
Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road,
Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG

Tonbridge Wellbeing Day
Friday 10th October  10.00- 14.00
Tonbridge River Centre, Medway Wharf Street,
Tonbridge, TN9

Wellbeing Celebration
Friday 10 October 10.00 – 14.00
Maidstone County Hall, Sessions House,
Maidstone

World Mental Health Open Day
Friday 10 October  13.00 – 16.00
Ashford Live It Well Centre, Canterbury Road,
Ashford

More information
www.liveitwell.org.uk
http://www.liveitwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/World-Mental-Health-Day-2014.pdf

World Mental Health Day celebrated in Tonbridge with skiffle

World Mental Health Day in Tonbridge will be celebrated with an explosion of sound and rhythm as it is led by Skiffle for Change.

Skiffle was a musical phenomenon that erupted in Britain during the mid 1950s during a time of austerity. The charm of skiffle is its humour and simplicity, coupled with the exploitation of household implements to create music – all you needed was a few mates, a couple of tea chests, three chords on the guitar and a washboard and you were off!

The Skiffle for Change team have joined with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to create Tonbridge Wellbeing Day, this Friday 10th October at the River Centre in Tonbridge.

Drop in and enjoy a range of entertaining interactive sessions throughout the day, including

• performances by Skiffle Express
• talks on nutrition
• talks on mental health awareness
• cookery demonstrations
• activity taster sessions.

As well as all of the organisations and sessions there will also be a prize draw with some fantastic prizes up for grabs, and very importantly free refreshments all day.

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

West Kent is one of the first places in the country to offer self-referral for online therapy from PsychologyOnline for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

A spokesman for NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“It’s important for us to offer patients choice and help them access talking therapies quickly. By offering these therapies to patients in West Kent via a wide range of providers, we have been able to reduce our waiting times and support patients who are able to access these services faster.”

The event takes place at the River Centre in Tonbridge and brings together a wide range of services and organisations including, Shaw Trust, Kent Libraries, Mental Health Resource, PsychologyOnline and CRI.

Date, time and place:

Friday 10 October 2014, 11.00 – 15.00
The River Centre, Medway Wharf Road,
Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RE

Read more on the Skiffle for Change website.

World Mental Health Day Brighton and Hove

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a events happening all over the country to encourage people to share their tips for improving wellbeing.

In Brighton and Hove the city council is funding and supporting an exciting programme of events created by local organisations and charities to help you find out to maintain and improve your mental health and wellbeing, including information and suggestions about trying 'the five ways to wellbeing'.

Events include:  

• A drop in event at Community Pavillion that offers activities to enjoy and the chance to discover more about mental health and wellbeing support and services are available across the city.
• free interactive magic activities for young people on 18 and 19 October in the Marlborough Theatre
• Jo Gatford local author of Little White Lies reading and discussing her prize-winning novel
• Jackie Kaye, Scottish lesbian author and poet reads from her stories and poetry

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

Brighton and Hove now offers online therapy for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

World Mental Health Day is a World Health Organisation initiative, designed to raise the profile of mental health issues and to challenge stigma.

Date, time and place:

Friday 10th October 2014 10.30 – 15.00
World Mental Health Day Celebration
Mind in Brighton & Hove
Community Pavilion,  The Level
Brighton

Friday 10 October 2014  14.00
Jo Gatford, local author, prize-winning novelist
Jubilee Library
Brighton

Saturday 11 October 2014  18.30 – 21.00
Mindout and Jackie Kaye  lesbian author and poet
St George's Church, Kemptown
Brighton

18 – 19th October 2014
Secret Magic Session
Marlborough Theatre


More information:
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/world-mental-health-day-2014
http://right-here-brightonandhove.org.uk/activities/
http://www.bics.nhs.uk/patient-information/brighton-and-hove-wellbeing-service/

World Mental Health Day in Barnet

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a events happening all over the country to encourage people to share their tips for improving wellbeing.

Barnet will be celebrating  World Mental Health Day with free activities and food on Friday 10 October 2014.  The activities will include live music, dancing as well as presentations

The event is jointly organised by voluntary organisations, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and Barnet Local Authority.

Dr Charlotte Benjamin, a local GP and the mental health lead at NHS Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“Improving mental health services is one of our key priorities as a CCG. As with any health issue, it’s really important mental health issues are spotted as early as possible before they can become something more serious. It’s up to all of us to help raise awareness of mental illness and to make sure that no one has to struggle on alone.

“Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain, with almost 9% of people meeting criteria for diagnosis.

“We know that it can be hard to talk about worries or concerns, usually for fear of what others may think, so asking for help can be difficult. But if you are concerned about your mental health problem, talk to your GP, confide in a friend or visit the NHS choices mental health helplines page. Equally, if you know someone who is suffering, reach out to them and let them know that you are there to support them.”

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

Barnet is one of the first places in the country to offer online therapy from PsychologyOnline for people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

Date and time of event:

Friday 10th October 2014 13.00 – 17.00
Hendon Lane , St Mary's Church Hall
Finchley N3 1TS

More information
http://www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/

World Mental Health Day in Hull and East Riding

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk openly about how you are feeling and there are a events happening all over the country to encourage people to share their tips for improving wellbeing.

In Hull the City Health Care Partnership CIC is encouraging people to find out more about the support available over a free buffet  and refreshments in the city library.

It is launching a new service  “Let’s Talk Depression and Anxiety Services Hull” and there will be an opportunity to talk to some of the people involved.

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

East Riding and Hull now offer online therapy people with depression or anxiety.

This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

Date, time and place:

Friday 10th October 2014 – 16.00- 18.00
Hull Central Library, Albion Street
Hull HU1 3TF

http://letstalk.chcpcic.org.uk/

World Mental Health Day in Norfolk

World Mental Health Day will be celebrated with Molly Dancers, bands, stilt walkers, live animals, face painting and more at a fun event in the centre of Great Yarmouth.

This positive event to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Brandon Lewis MP will launch the event along with Great Yarmouth Mayor Marlene Fairhead, and Lady Dannett MBE.

There will be a wide variety of stallholders, partners and stakeholders taking part. You'll also be able to meet agencies from statutory, voluntary and business sectors, and service user and carers.

One-in-four people will experience a mental health problem each year, worries about things like money, health, jobs and benefits can make it harder for people to cope. If you are struggling then there is help available and the first step is to talk to your GP.

Norfolk is one of the first places in the country to offer online therapy to people with depression or anxiety.  This is very confidential and all you need is a mobile phone or computer with internet access to receive support from an experienced psychotherapist in your own home.  You don’t need to travel or even to meet the therapist face-to-face.

Date, time and place:

Saturday 11 October 2014, 11.00 – 15.00
Great Yarmouth market place, Great Yarmouth NR30 1NU

More information:

www.nsft.nhs.uk

http://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Event/Documents/World%20Mental%20Health%20Day%202014%20Leaflet.pdf

World Mental Health Day time to improve wellbeing

World Mental Health Day on 10th October provides an opportunity for us all to take stock of our own sense of wellbeing and also to focus on what makes us feel good. It is thought that just one minute each day will make a difference.

Research suggests that it is more effective to write about your feelings than talk about your problems, and that simply making a note of three things that made you feel good each day can make a lasting improvement in your mood.

People are often encouraged to talk over a problem with a friend. The effectiveness of this approach was investigated by researchers Emmanualle Zech and Bernard Rime* from the University of Louvain in Belgium.

They encouraged participants to select the most negative and upsetting incident from their past and think about it.  The participants were then split into two groups and invited to talk with a supportive experimenter.

In one group they discussed the important issue and in another group participants talked about more mundane issues, their emotional wellbeing was measured at intervals.  Although the group with the serious issue felt that the experience had been beneficial, in fact the results showed no improvement in how well they were coping over the group that had been discussing the weather.

So if talking to an untrained individual provides no improvement what can help?

Other researchers** have encouraged participants to write down their deepest thoughts and feelings in a diary and these people were also analysed for improvements in wellbeing. The results from diary keepers showed a remarkable boost in their psychological and physical wellbeing.

This left the researchers with a challenge – why should writing have such significant benefits when talking didn’t?

The answer is that talking to an untrained person is unstructured; writing however encourages the creation of a story line, helping someone to make sense of what has happened and work towards a solution.

This is the basis for the CBT offered by PsychologyOnline.  The act of answering questions from an experienced psychotherapist using text, combines the benefits of a structured CBT approach with those of the improvement in thought processing associated with writing.

However, you don’t need to have depression to feel a lift in mood from keeping a diary.  Researchers have also found that writing each day about three things that have made you feel grateful, however trivial, will within a week make you feel more upbeat.

Why not choose 10th October 2014 to give it a try?



References

*. E. Zech and B.Rime 2005 Is talking about an emotional experience helpful: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy 12, pages 270-87.

**. SJ  Lepore and JM Smyth (eds) The writing cure how expressive writing promotes health and emotional wellbeing: Washington DC, American Psychological Association.