Postpartum Depression: A Challenging Time for Relationships
Did you know? 1 in 5 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression
Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful and transformative experience. However, the postpartum period can be a challenging time for relationships, as new parents navigate the physical and emotional changes that come with parenthood. For some couples, postpartum depression can add an extra layer of complexity to this already challenging time.
Understanding Postpartum Depression and Its Symptoms
According to the Postpartum Support International postpartum depression can impact up to 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads. Some new moms experience postpartum „baby blues“ after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.
But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Sometimes it’s called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. The symptoms can include feelings o
f sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. These symptoms can vary in severity and can develop at any time within the first year after childbirth.
Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth. The symptoms are severe and may include hallucinating and having delusions, feeling paranoid, having too much energy and feeling upset and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
The Impact of Postpartum Depression on Relationships
The postpartum period can be a challenging time for relationships, as new parents adjust to their new roles and responsibilities. The symptoms of postpartum depression can impact a woman’s ability to bond with her partner, care for her baby, and maintain a healthy relationship. Additionally, partners may feel helpless and unsure of how to support their loved one during this time and causing family problems
Postpartum depression can have long-lasting effects on the mother, other parent, and child. When untreated, it can become a chronic disorder and increase the risk of future depressive episodes and may even increase the risk of suicide. The other parent may also experience emotional strain, and children of mothers with untreated postpartum depression may have behavioral problems. Seeking help and support is crucial as it can have a significant impact on the entire family.
Seeking Help for Postpartum Depression
The postpartum period can be a challenging time for relationships, especially for couples dealing with postpartum depression. However, by seeking help and taking steps to support each other, couples can navigate this period together and come out stronger on the other side. If you or your partner are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many resources available for couples dealing with this situation, including therapy, support groups, and medication. In addition to seeking professional help, there are also steps couples can take to support each other during this challenging time. These steps can include:
- Communicating openly and honestly about your feelings and concerns
- Making time for self-care, such as exercise or meditation
- Sharing caregiving responsibilities for the baby
- Seeking help from family or friends if needed
- Being patient and understanding with each other
Free, immediate crisis counselling support in Germany
Helplines can be a great option if you’re looking for free and quick mental health support. In Germany, free crisis counselling support is available from 8 hotlines and helplines.
Learn here about what to expect: https://findahelpline.com/de
Additional resources:
Postpartum Support International has a closed Facebook Group for dads, where members can get a lot of great support and information from other dads: https://www.facebook.com/groups/682525349518226
References:
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net. Accessed Apr 27, 2023.
Postpartum depression : https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617. Accessed Apr 27, 2023.