Navigating Trauma Recovery and Mental Health Challenges: A Doula & Yoga Teacher's Perspective on World Mental Health Day

Written By Virginia Walker
World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day is a poignant reminder that our mental well-being deserves the same care and attention as our physical health. As a doula and yoga teacher, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals through some of life's most transformative moments. Through years of my own healing work personally and professionally in this area, I'd like to share my perspective on the intersection of trauma experiences, mental health challenges, and the healing power of yoga during these critical times. I am so grateful to everyone I have met along the way and hope this post may be able to help at least one person out there.


The Dual Role: Doula and Yoga Teacher

Empathy and Compassion -

As a doula, my primary role is to provide emotional and physical support to individuals during childbirth, often one of the most intense and emotionally charged experiences of their lives. A rite of passage where a woman becomes a mother. In my training and through my career so far as a yoga teacher my desire has, and will always be to further support my clients' overall well-being - physically, emotionally and spiritually, both during pregnancy and beyond by providing continuity of care and a listening ear.


Understanding Trauma - Trauma has become quite a buzz word of late. I see trainings and courses popping up left right and centre. I think it is great that there is a lot more awareness and things being done in this area to support individuals who are struggling but at the same time it can be very dangerous when trauma is not fully understood and safe space not held. I've encountered clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, including birth trauma, childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, life changing accidents and more. These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health and can manifest into other behaviours as survival mechanisms such as addiction to substances, alcoholism, eating disorders, sex addiction and gambling to name a few. It takes time (years not days!), a lot of energy and persistence but through recovery we learn that we are not our trauma and recovery is 100% possible. 


Social Prescribing - Social Prescribing is becoming more and more utilised through the NHS and private practices in the UK. What is Social Prescribing you may ask? It is the bringing together of social and medical models. For example a visit to your GP may result in a prescription of joining a local community run yoga or pilates class, local walking or cycling group or even equine therapy.


Yoga as a Healing Tool - Yoga has been an invaluable tool in my doula practice and for men and women who are not in the child bearing years. It offers not only physical relief but also emotional and psychological support, making it a powerful complement to the doula's role. Through yoga, clients become comfortable and confident with optimal birth positioning, how to harness and use the breath for pain relief and focus, and how to feel empowered and calm navigating the rivers and mountains of labour. I encourage clients to keep coming to prenatal yoga right up to birth if they can. There is no ‘stop-date’. Even if clients are coming towards the end of their pregnancy and feel they can hardly move, they can join the circle of women and be a part-of, being there as a presence supporting others - sitting still for the whole practice if they wish! As a doula, I encourage the power of yoga into the birth room. Whether at home, in hospital or birthcentre, the power and magic of yoga comes too and will support the birth the whole way. 

Womens yoga circle

Image - iStock by Getty Images


Trauma and Mental Health


The Impact of Trauma - Trauma can manifest in numerous ways, from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). Many individuals face trauma silently, and it often takes a compassionate and understanding support system to help them heal. 


The Role of Yoga - Yoga provides a safe space for individuals to reconnect with their bodies, which can be crucial for those who have experienced trauma and possibly dealing with addictions or eating disorders. It encourages mindfulness especially using breathwork with movement, helping individuals stay present instead of being haunted by past trauma.


Trauma-Informed Yoga - As a doula and yoga teacher, I have trained in and incorporated trauma-informed yoga into my practice. This approach emphasises creating a safe and supportive environment, allowing individuals to explore their bodies and emotions at their own pace. I work in a 1:1 setting for those dealing with trauma so I can be fully present with them and monitor their body and breath making modifications and adjustments wherever and whenever necessary.


Breathwork and Mindfulness - Breathing exercises (pranayama) and mindfulness practices are essential components of trauma-informed yoga. These techniques can help individuals regulate their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. As well as breath and movement, I know visualisation practices, sound making, yoga nidra practice and free style movement all have a huge healing effect and help release trauma from the body. The body holds the trauma in pockets in areas unique to each individual such as a shoulder, the belly, hips, the head or neck to name a few and it is through these gentle yet powerful practices we can slowly start to shed/dig out/let go of/melt our past traumas. I fully believe in and have experienced for myself the healing power of somatic practices such as yoga.



Supporting Mental Health


Holistic Approach - Supporting mental health is about taking a holistic approach. I aim to create spaces where individuals can explore their mental and emotional well-being, not just their physical health.


Encouraging Vulnerability - In both roles, I've learned that creating a space where clients feel safe to be vulnerable and share their experiences is crucial. This can be a transformative step in their healing journey. This is why in in-person classes, wherever possible, I create a circle of mats so we all come together as part of the circle to hold each other. The circle brings a sense of humility to our practice, we come together as equals, all the same there to support each other. Tears are welcomed and held.


Community and Connection - If all you take from this blog post is this, I’m happy with that…THE KEY - Building a community of support will make a significant difference in mental health. Yoga classes, support groups, and doula circles all offer a sense of belonging and understanding. Isolation is the automatic go to when we are struggling with mental health, I have been there many times and it will feel like what you want to do BUT connection is the key. Get out of the bed/the house and even if the first step is going to the local shop and having a few words with the shop keeper, that is a start. Find local groups though social medial, local information boards in local community centres or churches, I promise you there will be more going on locally than you realise and if not, that is your que to think about starting something up in the future more local to you… keep it simple and start small. Being of help to someone else helps a lot. Is there a family member or friend struggling or needing something? Even a visit with a cup of tea and a chat could help them and it will bring you a sense of connection and a feeling of empowerment and confidence that you have helped someone that day.


World Mental Health Day reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges, especially for those who have experienced trauma. As a doula and yoga teacher, my mission is to create spaces of healing and support, where individuals can find solace and strength through their struggles. I have experience first hand how yoga, with its ability to connect the mind, body and spirit offers a powerful tool for healing and growth. Together, one day at a time, let’s work towards a world where mental health is prioritised, where trauma survivors are heard, and where yoga and compassion guide us towards greater well-being.

Namaste,

Virginia x



Virginia Walker
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