Postpartum depression (PPD) is a specific type of peripartum depression characterized by the following symptoms but not limited to sadness, anxiety and fatigue. While seeking professional help is crucial for recovery, there are other postpartum support for moms that’s equally important. In this article, you will learn 5 ways to help your partner manage PPD
Recognize and Acknowledge symptoms
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of PPD in your partner is one of the most critical ways to support. No one is closer to your partner than you, allowing you to notice when there’s a change in their attitude, mood, and mental health.
Some of these changes might not be very apparent. However, the onus is on you to be observant in recognizing these subtle changes. Some symptoms include loss of interest in the baby, withdrawal from social interactions, or feelings of hopelessness. While recognizing these symptoms is key, you should acknowledge and not dismiss them as minor “baby blues.”
It’s easy for you to assume that what their loved one is experiencing is temporary and will naturally resolve over time. However, PPD is a medical condition that requires attention and care.
Offer Emotional Support
Having someone around who is present, listens and offers reassurance without judgment can make a difference for people experiencing PPD. Support can include providing a safe and comfortable environment where she can feel validated and loved without feeling pressured to get better.
Take time to listen to your partner’s fears, thoughts and more in those situations. Ask them what you can do to help and be present at the moment. Knowing they have someone who understands and will support them through the phase helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Encourage them to Get Medical Assistance
When your partner is struggling with postpartum depression (PPD), emotional support is crucial. Still, it is equally important to encourage her to see a therapist or a psychiatrist. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that requires more than emotional support. It often involves therapy, counselling or medical treatment.
While there is stigma surrounding mental health that might make your partner reconsider seeing a medical professional, it’s the best path for more effective management. Speak with your partner and encourage them to pursue these avenues. You can also support by going to therapy sessions with them. Combining medical help with emotional support can significantly improve the recovery process.
Assist with Daily Activities to Reduce Stress
During postpartum recovery, the mother’s body and mind are trying to heal. However, the stress and demands of caring for an infant can be overwhelming. One of the most crucial ways of lightening this burden is by assisting with tasks. You can help with household chores, feeding the baby, diaper changes and nighttime shifts, which can significantly reduce the emotional and physical demands on your partner.
Helping with these chores or doing them together will also go a long way to fostering a sense of partnership and assuring you are a team. This support makes it easier for your partner to focus on their mental health and recovery, knowing that you will assist with the daily responsibilities.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a partner through PPD can be very emotionally and physically demanding. You need to care for yourself just as much as you care for your partner. This is because the quality of the care and support you can provide your partner depends on your mental and emotional wellbeing, too. It is counterintuitive to neglect your own needs, as doing so can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and even resentment.
While your core focus may be helping your partner get back on their feet, it is essential not to lose sight of your needs. Just as your partner needs support, you also deserve care and attention. Make time for your wellbeing, like taking little breaks during the day to rest, seeing a therapist and engaging in other activities to de-stress.
Where To Get Medical Help
If you have recognized the symptoms of PPD in your partner and do not know where to go for medical help, you can book an appointment at C. W. Williams Community Health Center.
We offer services to new mothers with PPD, such as support groups, counselling services and regular check-ups to monitor recovery.
