A new baby is a joy – but new parenthood also comes with a host of struggles, many of them related to mental health. In particular, new mothers may face fatigue from lack of sleep, ongoing pain as their bodies heal from birth, and fluctuating hormone levels. The latter can lead to a condition known as postpartum depression, when pregnancy hormone levels drop suddenly after birth. This hormone drop can trigger clinical depression, even in women who don’t typically struggle with mental wellness. If someone you care about is struggling with postpartum depression, you might feel overwhelmed. Read on to find out how to help someone with postpartum depression.
How to Help Someone with Postpartum Depression
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Per the Mayo Clinic, postpartum depression is not to be confused with the “baby blues.” The latter refers to the anxiety associated with bringing home a new member of the family. Instead, postpartum depression is a “more severe, long-lasting form of depression” that can develop after childbirth, particularly in new mothers. And while postpartum depression is fairly common – doctors diagnose the condition in about one in nine women – it can still feel like an isolating, overwhelming experience.
Identifying the Signs
If you suspect your loved one has postpartum depression, you should look out for a few key symptoms. These symptoms can help differentiate postpartum depression from the “baby blues,” which usually resolve in a matter of weeks. The Mayo Clinic’s list of postpartum depression symptoms includes the following:
- Depressed mood
- Severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Sleep problems
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Difficulty bonding with the new baby
Helping Someone with Postpartum Depression
If your loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, it can be difficult to know how to help them. After all, your loved one may not be acting like the person you know and love. You might also be worried about saying the wrong thing. When in doubt, be sure to work on your listening skills. First, allow your loved one to vent their anxiety, sadness, and anger in a safe, supportive space. Additionally, do your best to avoid comparing their experience to yours or anyone else’s. Don’t say things like, “My friend had a baby, and they never felt this way,” or “If you do this one thing, you’ll feel better.” Instead, focus on brainstorming ways you can support your loved one. Can you bring them a hot meal, or help out around the house? You might also offer to babysit for an hour or two so the new parents can take care of themselves. Finally, take the initiative to reach out to your loved one and let them know they aren’t alone. A simple encouraging text can go a long way.
Behavioral Support
If your loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, a behavioral health expert can be a great resource. There are a few ways you can support the new parent during their behavioral health journey. First, you can offer to help the new parent identify a behavioral health expert taking on new clients. You can also offer to babysit during sessions, or help with transportation to and from appointments. Finally, be sure to support your loved one as they work to employ their treatment plan. Seeking behavioral support is a brave thing to do, especially for a struggling new parent.
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It can be hard to know how to help someone with postpartum depression. Ultimately, providing a safe, supportive space for your loved one to express their feelings will go a long way. When in doubt, reach out to a behavioral health expert for advice – and be sure to take care of yourself along the way, too.
Are you or a loved one struggling with postpartum depression? Reed Behavioral Health offers highly individualized solutions for individuals and families who have been impacted by behavioral health problems. Our approach is different. It starts with a comprehensive and individualized assessment process so we can determine how to best help you. This includes a firm understanding of your value system and what you want out of life. Ultimately, we offer individualized care using an integrative model, working with our clients to resolve the lingering issues beyond their disorders so they can have a full life. For more information, please call us at 763-292-2368, email us at [email protected], or send us a message online. We look forward to working with you!