How to Support a Wife Through Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, a medically-diagnosed depression that affects 1-in-10 women after the birth of their baby, can be very serious and needs to be treated accordingly. One ongoing recommendation to fight postpartum depression is to have well-established support for the new mother. A husband can help with this in many ways.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Acknowledge that postpartum depression is no one's fault. This is not a time to lay blame, but a time to work together for the good of your family.
2. Allow your wife to talk to you openly and express herself, but do not try to counsel her. Postpartum depression should be dealt with by a psychologist. As her husband, you serve a better purpose by letting your wife know you are there to listen to her and to comfort her.
3. Assist with household chores to relieve your wife's stress and allow her a little time alone everyday to do something nice for herself. This can be as little as suggesting she take a walk or sit and read a book.
4. Ask for help when you need it. If you feel yourself starting to wear thin, ask friends and family to chip in, they can stop at the store and pick up a few items or drop off an easily reheated meal.
5. Consider the safety of your wife and your baby at all times. Although a woman suffering from postpartum depression may give no indication of an intention to harm herself or her baby, it is important to keep in mind that their safety always needs to be in the forefront of your mind.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care of yourself throughout your wife's postpartum depression. You may need to take a little time for yourself and that is OK.