The birth of a child is an emotional time. New parents often feel joy, love, and excitement, as well as frustration, fatigue, and stress–all at the same time. These highs and lows are normal, but they can be very challenging to navigate. If you believe your partner is experiencing postpartum depression on top of everything else, you may wonder how you can possibly help.

While some level of anxiety and depression is normal after childbirth, postpartum depression can be much more serious. It may impede your partner’s ability to perform normal daily functions, including caring for herself and/or the baby. Fortunately, there is always hope for a brighter and healthier future. Here are steps you can take to support your partner and lead her toward recovery.

Know the Signs

While postpartum depression usually starts within the first month after childbirth, it can also occur as late as one year after birth. There’s no one “cause” of postpartum depression, but changing hormones, lack of support, and a history of depression can all be contributing factors.

Some mothers may be open about their symptoms and how they’re feeling, while others may struggle to share their experience with their partner. In either case, it helps to know the signs of postpartum depression so you can step in and help during this critical time:

Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Frequently crying for no apparent reason
Feeling disconnected or distant from the baby
Negative thoughts
Loss of interest in things that used to bring happiness
Over or under sleeping
Difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions
Withdrawing from friends and family
Dramatic increase or decrease in appetite

Often, the onset of postpartum depression is gradual, which can make it easy to overlook or downplay. Be sure to check in regularly with your partner so you remain aware of changes to her mood and mental health.

Let Her Talk, and Listen with Empathy

When your partner is ready to talk about how they are feeling, make sure you are available to listen with empathy. Every person has a deep-rooted need to be heard and listened to; that’s part of what makes therapy so effective. It’s a critical part of mental health and can offer major relief to those suffering from postpartum depression.

At first, talking about their postpartum feelings and symptoms may be difficult for your partner. She may worry about being judged or misunderstood due to the stigma of depression. Here are a few tips for making yourself available whenever she is ready to talk:

Acknowledge that postpartum depression is common and normal
Ask your partner how she’s feeling and if she needs help
Be ready to listen to her feelings and validate them
Research postpartum depression and be ready to offer guidance

Starting and participating in conversations with your partner about her mental state gives her the opportunity to process her emotions in a caring environment. It can also lighten her load and help to reduce the anxiety and stress she may be feeling as a new mother.

Encourage Her to Talk to Her GP or a Therapist

Talking at home about the symptoms of postpartum depression is a great first step, but it’s also important for your partner to seek professional care when needed. Untreated postpartum depression can lead to an increased risk of prolonged depression, substance abuse, bonding issues, and more. Proper medical attention can make a big difference with recovery, so encourage your partner to talk to her GP or therapist about how she’s feeling.

While antidepressants may be necessary, there are a host of other natural treatments that are available as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and other therapeutic treatments can be used to help your partner manage her negative thoughts and develop effective coping skills.

Give Her a Break

There are so many responsibilities and expectations weighing on the shoulders of new mothers. While she physically recovers from childbirth, she must also juggle the burden of feeding and caring for the baby, navigating disrupted sleep patterns, and balancing her work and home responsibilities. Needless to say, it’s a lot of work, and your partner may be in desperate need of a break. Here’s how you can help:

Take over meal prepping for the family
Give her time alone
Offer to take the baby while she goes out of the house
Help with the housework
Make sure she’s getting enough sleep

Find ways to remind your partner that she is not alone in this new role. Giving her the support she needs to find a better balance can go a long way in helping her navigate her symptoms of postpartum depression.

Help Her Find a Support Group

Communicating with people who have similar experiences can have a positive effect on mothers with postpartum depression. Support groups help new mothers feel less isolated and alone and allow them to hear from people who understand their experience and can offer practical advice. These groups can also provide a tangible sense of hope that postpartum depression can be overcome.

To help your partner find a support group for postpartum depression, you can encourage her to talk to her GP or therapist about local opportunities. You can also visit the Postpartum Support International website to find online resources, groups, and support.

Take Care of Yourself

You can’t help your partner if you aren’t in a good place yourself. If you are also struggling with the burden of new parenthood, find ways to practice self-care. Consider therapy as an outlet for processing your emotions, navigating this big life change, and developing coping mechanisms for the new challenges you face.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding time to exercise. It’s easy to let these important habits fall to the wayside in the chaos of new parenthood. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you’re ensuring you’re at your best when your partner needs you most.

Call NPS for More Information

To learn more about postpartum depression and how you can support your partner during this difficult time, call NPS. We are here to listen and ready to guide you to a happier and healthier future.

Remember that we offer free 15-minute meet & greets for all new clients. These no-obligation appointments are a great opportunity for you to tell us more about yourself and the kind of support you’re looking for. Reach our office by calling (815) 477-4727.