Supporting Your Loved One During Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common condition after childbirth, affecting about one in eight women within the first year. Despite its prevalence, many spouses, partners, and loved ones struggle to provide meaningful support, unsure of what to do or say.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a mental health expert to support the new mom in your life. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP-C, often treats postpartum depression and works with families to provide personalized assistance.

Here, we explain how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and provide support for your loved one.

Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression isn’t always easy to identify because emotional and hormonal changes after childbirth can significantly affect mood and behavior. Still, there are some telltale signs loved ones should watch for, including:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or anxiety
• Withdrawal from activities the mother used to enjoy
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Noticeable changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual
• Difficulty bonding with the baby

Identifying these signs early can help your loved one get the help they need, but it’s important to approach the conversation without being accusatory or judgmental. Being empathetic and understanding can reduce defensiveness and allow you to provide meaningful support.

How to help a loved one with postpartum depression

If you think your loved one has postpartum depression, here are a few ways you can assist them.

1. Offer emotional support

Many women experiencing postpartum depression worry that people will judge them or assume that they’re crazy. However, medical professionals now understand that it’s a common condition caused by hormonal, emotional, and bodily changes. 

Instead of offering platitudes, like “You’ll feel better soon,” take time to really listen to your loved one. Validate their experience, and let them know that however they feel is OK. Emotions aren’t permanent, and even when things look bleak, they do get better, even if it takes time.

Avoid blaming or guilting your loved one for what they’re going through. Offer reassurance regularly and let them know that these feelings don’t say anything about their abilities as a mother. 

Never force conversations, but remind your loved one they can talk to you about their feelings anytime. 

2. Provide help around the house or encourage seeking out peers

Postpartum depression often saps a new mother’s energy. Deciding what to have for dinner can be a challenge, much less changing diapers, nursing, and attending to the baby’s other needs. 

You can help ease some of this burden by providing actionable support. For example, doing the laundry, preparing meals, or running errands can take pressure off mom and make it easier for her to focus on bonding with her newborn.

If you don’t live close by, research and suggest potential local resources, like support groups or peer programs. Even joining a club for new mothers can provide an outlet and make it easier for your loved one to see that they’re not alone. 

Don’t force any of these changes or present them in a harsh or judgmental way. Even taking one or two small responsibilities off of your loved one’s plate can make a noticeable difference, helping her adjust to her new role and experience the benefits of support firsthand.

3. Encourage professional support

Postpartum depression can last for months or even years, regardless of the support you provide. If your loved one doesn’t seem to be improving over time, encourage them to seek professional support from a doctor, counselor, or therapist. Certain evidence-based therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help manage symptoms and improve coping skills.

Some mothers feel like this is an admission of weakness, but that’s far from the case. In reality, it’s a sign of strength and can help make them feel less alone. 

Various women’s mental health resources are available to postpartum mothers, and these interventions are effective. One analysis by the US Preventive Services Task Force found that counseling interventions were associated with a 39% reduction in the likelihood of postpartum depression.

Get support for postpartum depression

If you or a loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, schedule an evaluation at Broderick Healthcare. Request an appointment online, or call the office at 617-905-1978. After discussing your symptoms and completing a physical and psychological assessment, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.