Postpartum depression is a common occurrence among new mothers. Park Nicollet, a psychologist says, "Having a baby is a major life change...
Postpartum depression is a common occurrence among new mothers. Park Nicollet, a psychologist says, "Having a baby is a major life change. And anytime our lives are thrown up in the air by something new, our mental health can be affected.” While trying to recover from the disorder, they need all the help they can get. If your partner is suffering, you have a key role to play in their recovery from postpartum depression. You aren't supposed to fold your arms and watch them go through it. You may be wondering, what can I do to help? Let's discuss that.
After giving birth, one thing that frightens new moms is the loss of identity. They feel they may never return to the person they used to be. This feeling combined with the constant need to care for their newborn can be overwhelming. So in the spirit of helping them, give your partner some space and time to do their own thing. Give your partner time to find a new hobby or pursue an old one, hang out with friends or go to their favorite spot. This would have a tremendous impact on their health.
Postpartum depression is normally accompanied by the crippling feeling of loneliness. So it would help your partner to be around you most of the time. This might seem impossible if you have to work. To make yourself available, you can decide to work from home a few days a week. You can close earlier from work, go in late or take some time off.
In most homes, mothers do most of the housework. Combining housework with the new baby would no doubt be too stressful. This stress would make it harder for them to deal with postpartum depression. So you must assist with housework. Sometimes you may end up doing all the work. It might be too much for you but you have to remember that it's for the greater good. Assisting in the home could involve doing things like; cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and stocking up on groceries.
New moms can be plagued with self-doubt. They might believe that they are bad parents or not good enough. Encourage and reassure your partner that they are doing a great job. Tell them that being a new mother is not easy and they are indeed the best thing for the baby. You can even point out the things they do for the newborn and family. This encouragement and reassurance would go a long way with them.
It's not news that new mothers barely get enough sleep, some don't even get to sleep at all. Continuous sleep deprivation is bound to make them miserable and increase their depression. This is where you come in. You and your partner have to create a routine. So they have time to sleep while you watch the baby. This could be at night. You can spare a few hours of your bedtime so they can have some bedtime. You can also skip work on some days so that you can tend to the baby during the day while they sleep.
Nursing mothers are always hungry as they are expending energy feeding and caring for the baby. So they must be fed and keep to a healthy and balanced diet. Your partner will always have a lot on their plate, so it's up to you to ensure they are well fed. You can cook, ensure the fridge and cabinets are stocked. Also, keep healthy snacks around the house, and close to her for easy access.
Taking care of a partner suffering from postpartum depression can take a toll on your mental health. You might blame yourself for their condition, or feel you are doing enough. These feelings are normal but do not let them overwhelm you. When you are starting to feel overwhelmed, or like you are losing your sanity, take a break. This doesn't mean abandoning your partner. You should look for someone or people to assist your spouse during the day while you try to catch a break. By helping yourself, you are helping them as well.
You want to see your partner's health improve, so the earlier they get treatment the better. Your partner would need to see a therapist or psychiatrist to get better. You can help them by getting a good therapist, scheduling appointments, taking them there, and staying with them in the first session.
The importance of actually listening to your partner speak about how they feel can never be overemphasized. When your partner starts talking about how they feel, it's not the time to offer solutions. Rather it's the time to lend a listening ear. You must remember the situation is harder for them than for you. They are experiencing changes and it can be quite scary, and they need to know they can count on you.
People say it takes a village to raise a child, and there has been a truer saying. Although you may not need an entire village, you need friends and family. Friends and family serve as a support system, to ensure that you are never alone and overwhelmed. Having a support system also gives you and your partner the chance to enjoy some time alone. It is important to still have some normalcy and romance in your relationship. So while your support system watches the baby, you and your partner can enjoy each other's company.
No matter how overwhelming postpartum depression is, rest assured that with your help, your partner can get better. With the right therapist, your love, affection, encouragement, and a support system, your partner is on the right track to becoming their old self again.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/when-your-partner-has-postpartum-depression-4843643
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/postpartum-depression-or-anxiety/
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
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