How Husbands are Affected by Postpartum Depression
Many husbands don’t realize the effects that having a baby can have on a women. Most people don’t think about how it may be affecting the husband. They only tend to focus on the wife. Of course you want to make sure that the wife gets the needed help and support. But how is a husband supposed to know what to do and what to say. Some marriages have even been broken up because of this.
It is important that family members give the husband just as much support as they would the wife. By helping him you will also be helping his wife. Even women who are under a doctors care and who have plenty of loving care and support, may still take up to two years for them to completely recover from this form of depression. If not handled properly not only will the parents suffer but the children will too. One thing that I would recommend is that husband’s be prepared to handle postpartum depression, even before their wife has the baby.
It is better to be prepared than stuck not knowing what to do. One way that you can prepare for this is by reading information on postpartum depression. This is something both a husband and wife can do together. Find out what the symptoms are and how can you tell if you wife is starting to develop this condition. Also talk to other family and friends on the topic. It is possible that one of them has gone through this already and may know of some advice that may be helpful.
Since doctors are not sure what cause’s postpartum depression, they are also not sure exactly how to prevent it. This being the case you will want to be aware of the signs. Husband should also make sure that they go with their wives to her postpartum checkup. If she is beginning to experience the “baby blues” then the doctor may be able to notice it before you will, and therefore treatment can begin. Even after treatment has begun, it may still take a while before you wife is back to herself. Husbands must be patient. If you truly love your wife you will want to do all you can to support her during this very difficult time.
