Postpartum Depression

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting a parent’s mood, energy levels and ability to bond with their baby. Depression due to pregnancy or depression after childbirth can include intense feelings of sadness and impact both mothers and partners.

Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and the emotional demands of caring for a newborn can all contribute to its onset. Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with a parent’s wellbeing and the healthy development of their child. At The Oak Tree Practice, we offer compassionate and tailored support to help individuals to recover and feel themselves again.

What Are Postpartum Depression Symptoms?

Signs of postpartum depression can include but are not limited to:

Anxiety

OCD

Anger

Intrusive Thoughts

Sadness

Hopelessness

Irritability

Insomnia

Fatigue

How To Deal With Postpartum Depression In 3 Steps

Step 1: Acknowledge How You Are Feeling

Recognising that you are experiencing postpartum depression is the first step toward healing. It’s okay to admit that things feel overwhelming and it certainly does not make you a bad parent.

Step 2: Seek Professional Support

Talking to a therapist can help you make sense of your emotions and develop ways to cope. At The Oak Tree Practice, we offer specialised support tailored to your needs.

Step 3: Build A Healthy Routine

Small daily habits like regular sleep, gentle movement and asking for help can make a huge difference. Creating time to look after your own wellbeing is just as important as caring for your baby.

Do You Offer Postnatal Depression Treatment Near Me?

Yes, The Oak Tree Practice offers treatment for postnatal depression from our clinics in Finchley (N3 1QB), Brixton/Clapham (SW2 5UL) or Stratford (E15 1NT) in London or in Leeds (LS7 4NY). All of our practices are easy to reach via car or public transport. Home visits may also be available subject to request.

Better yet, we offer support for those based further afield across the UK through telephone appointments or online zoom sessions. Whether you are based in Kent, Birmingham, Oxford, Scotland or anywhere else, our team would be delighted to assist you! Enquire via our contact form, Whatsapp us on 07926 713 198 or call us on 020 8936 7666 for a free 15 minute consultation to find out how we can help!

How Can The Oak Tree Practice Help Me?

The Oak Tree Practice offers compassionate and expert therapy tailored to your unique experiences and needs. Our therapists are here to support you every step of the way. We provide a warm and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

With a focus on your wellbeing, we are committed to helping you feel stronger, more understood and in control. Through treatments such as CBT, ACT and CFT, we work with you to break negative thought patterns. Get in touch today via our contact form, Whatsapp us on 07926 713 198 or call us on 020 8936 7666 to discuss further!

Client Testimonials

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As someone who never thought they’d need a psychologist, words cannot describe how grateful I am for Dr. Aika Hui. From our very first session she made me feel comfortable and truly listened to. Her compassionate and non judgmental approach helped me open up about my issues. She introduced a variety of different methods to understand my emotions better which has significantly improved my struggles.

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My sessions with Ilan have been the vital component in my road to recovery from mental health problems. The conversations we had and the tasks he set really aided me in recovering my confidence remarkably quickly. I would highly recommend Ilan to anyone suffering similar mental health problems as his work undoubtedly has made a profound impact on my health.

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I was admittedly slightly doubtful as to the effectiveness of therapy for me as it had not worked for me in the past. Over the last few months, however, my viewpoint has really changed. I feel as though I am in a much better place thanks to Dr Rogers' hard work, including his research outside of sessions. He has made me feel comfortable throughout due to his personability, whereas my past therapists all felt like brick walls! I cannot recommend the practice enough and, by extension, Dr Rogers.

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Amy you were simply wonderful, unlike the experiences I received with different psychologists a few years ago which simply added to the pain I was already suffering. Thank you for everything.

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From our very first session, I immediately felt comfortable with Bina, which was a big relief. Through our sessions, I was able to better understand and make sense of my anxious thoughts, feelings and experiences because of the empathetic, supportive and educated therapist Bina is. She gave me the skills to be able to recognise and reframe unhelpful thoughts and feelings, which has made my day-to-day functioning much more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postnatal Depression

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression can be triggered by a mix of hormonal shifts, emotional stress and physical exhaustion after childbirth. Lack of support, sleep deprivation and past mental health struggles can also increase the risk.

How Long Can Postpartum Depression Last?

Postpartum depression can begin within weeks of giving birth and may last for several months if left untreated. In some cases, symptoms can persist for a year or more, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.

Can Men Get Postpartum Depression?

Yes, men can experience postpartum depression, often due to lifestyle changes, increased responsibilities and emotional strain. It may show up as irritability, withdrawal or feelings of being overwhelmed in the months after a baby is born. This is often referred to as paternal postnatal depression.

When Can Postnatal Depression Start?

Postnatal depression can start anytime within the first year after childbirth, though it often begins in the first few weeks. Sometimes, symptoms can even appear during pregnancy and continue after the baby is born.

Is There A Postpartum Depression Cure?

Whilst there is not a one-size-fits-all cure, postpartum depression is highly treatable with the right combination of therapy, support and sometimes medication. Recovery looks different for everyone, but with proper care, most people find relief and regain their emotional wellbeing.

Will My Appointment Be Covered By Insurance?

Most of our team are covered by insurers such as BUPA, Aviva, AXA, Simply Health, Vitality Health, Cigna and WPA. Get in touch for further information or check out our “Meet The Team” page to learn more.