Mental Images and Postpartum Depression: Case Study

Abstract

Imagination and images refer jointly ability to imagine. Imaginative therapies operate all within an almost real context. In therapeutical experience, the individual goes through almost real experiences before going through the events in reality, acts before acting in reality and this provokes changes in somatic level. The almost real dimension, namely the imaginative dimension, influences the individual, or rather the individual, starting from the imagination changes himself, his beliefs and perceptions. Imagination as therapeutic intervention is sometimes more efficient and more valuable than other therapies. It is also effective in treating a range of psychological symptoms such as insomnia, depression, obesity, cronich pain, various phobias, anxiety and panic , somatic problems. Given the fact that the images are effective in treating a range of psychological symptoms, including depression we want to see if imaginative techniques help improve symptoms of postpartum depression. This case was treated at University Hospital for Obstetric and Gynecology "Koco Gliozheni" Tirane (Albania). A 35 years young mother showed depressive symptoms associated with post-partum condition, as determined by semi-structured interviews and relevant test EDPS, also by psychiatric consultations. Besides the daily psychological support I proposed some imaginative techniques like self-watching, flooding, guided imagery. Imaginative activity in general, in the case in question, was a valid instrument of the difficulties in everyday life. The patient learned to visualize problematic elements of each situation and this resulted an efficient approach. Imagination helped identify schematic components that have contributed to the formation of inappropriate thoughts and exaggerated ideas. It helped in recognition of the patient's emotional reality and modifying this emotional reality. The patient uses images to manage situations different daily life even by telephone follow up. This case study shows that imagery techniques, elaborated through images, facilitate recovery and provide us with a functional interpretation of the event and its consequences. Working with images intended to make the patient able to withstand and manage the pain that bring different situations and to integrate it in the history of personal life.