Supporting a partner with postnatal depression (PND) can be challenging, but it’s essential to provide understanding, empathy, and practical help. Here are some tailored treatments for postnatal depression
1. Encourage Professional Help
Suggest that your partner speak to her health care provider about her feelings – which can range from anxiety and guilt to sadness and fatigue. Offer to accompany her to appointments and keep track of how she responds to any prescribed medication. Mention any concerns at her next appointment. New mothers can be overwhelmed, so you can help you by making the appointments, arranging child care, and driving her to the appointments.
2. Offer Practical Support
Help with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, shopping, and cooking. Taking on some of the night feeds can allow her to get more sleep. If she is breastfeeding, she can express milk for you to use during one night feed. Your support should also include giving her time to nap and to do something she enjoys while you take care of the baby.
3. Provide Emotional Support
Be understanding and empathetic. Avoid telling her to “pull herself together.” Instead, reassure her that she’s doing a great job as a mother. Encourage her to talk about her feelings and connect with other mothers who may be going through similar experiences.
4. Adjust Your Schedule
If possible, temporarily adjust your working hours to spend more time at home with her. If she doesn’t want to be alone, stay with her or help her find someone who can keep her company.
5. Help Prioritize Tasks
Assist her in prioritizing essential tasks and deciding what can wait. Encourage her to take breaks, exercise, see friends, and relax. New mothers often feel guilty if they do anything that doesn’t directly involve the baby, so help her find time for herself.
6. Engage in Shared Activities
Suggest participating in activities you used to do together before becoming parents. This can help her maintain her sense of identity.
7. Attend Support Groups Together
Offer to attend baby groups, activities, or local support groups with her if she’s feeling nervous about going alone.
8. Inform Family and Friends
With her permission, explain to her family and friends what she is going through and how they can support her.
9. Remind Her She’s Not Alone
Reassure her that postnatal depression is common, and she is not alone in experiencing it. Do not dismiss her symptoms, but let her know that other women experience postpartum depression, and they can be good sources of support.
10. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a partner with postpartum depression can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own physical and mental health. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and seeking help from your health care provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety are important steps.
Remember that postnatal depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support and care, your partner can recover. Be patient, understanding, and persistent in seeking professional help when needed.
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