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The Positive Effects of Support on Postpartum Depression and Relationships

May 22, 2023

Tired African American mom crying, dad playing with kid

According to recent research, struggling with postpartum depression and relationships can be a difficult and anxious time for new parents. Lack of sleep and the pressure of caring for a newborn can lead to a mental health crisis that affects the quality of life for both parents. There is hope, so don’t try to handle it alone and shut yourself off. Studies show that with the appropriate care and professional support, the risk of depression and anxiety can be reduced, and relationships can be strengthened. So why not take positive action today and try a validated and effective approach to dealing with this illness? With reliable results and the ability to offer a new outlook, professional support may be just what you need to turn things around. Share the news and start examining the possibilities – you won’t regret it.

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Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash

What is postpartum depression?

Becoming a parent is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in life. However, for some mothers, it can bring about great mental health challenges such as postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a mood disorder that affects new mothers after childbirth. Postpartum depression disorder can last up to a year or more. It can occur anytime within the first year but usually develops in the first few weeks or months after delivery. PPD can make it difficult for moms to bond with their newborns and enjoy motherhood.

Some symptoms of postpartum depression include feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, guilty, or irritable. Moms may also feel overwhelmed, restless, or fatigued. They may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have difficulty completing daily tasks. This can cause tension and strain on relationships.

The Link Between Postpartum Depression and Relationships

Young father with baby and wife suffering from postnatal depression at home
Young father with baby and wife suffering from postnatal depression at home

The impact of PPD on relationships cannot be ignored. It can affect the mother’s ability to care for her child and herself, which may strain the relationship with her partner. They may be asked to step up and take on new roles within the family, while their own needs are not being met. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness for both partners.

Postpartum depression is a common problem that affects many new mothers. According to research, about 1 in every 7 women who give birth will suffer from postpartum depression. It can be difficult to deal with and diagnose. PDD may last for weeks, months or even longer.

A report by the American Psychological Association shows that PPD can also have an effect on the quality of the marriage. Couples dealing with PPD are at risk of experiencing a crisis in their relationship. They may find it difficult to offer support to each other, leading to feelings of frustration and resentment.

Four Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

There are different risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression.

Lack of Support

These include a lack of support, especially from family and friends, as well as high levels of stress during pregnancy and after giving birth. Postpartum depression can have a significant impact on relationships, especially when left untreated. It’s not uncommon for new mothers to feel overwhelmed and alone, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. These negative emotions can make it difficult for the mother to connect with her partner, causing strain in their relationship. The lack of support from family and friends is also a risk factor that increases the likelihood of developing postpartum depression.

Crisis During Pregnancy or Birth

Other risk factors include experiencing a crisis during pregnancy or after giving birth. We often have an idea or plans about how our pregnancy, labor, or birth will happen. Sometimes those do not come to pass, and new mothers have to confront situations that they did not plan for. It can be difficult to new mothers to grief the loss of their expectations of how they wanted their birth to go/

woman in white shirt lying on black textile
Photo by Sinitta Leunen on Unsplash

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep due to caring for a newborn can also contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Lack of sleep can have a huge effect on new mothers who are struggling with postpartum depression. According to research, lack of quality sleep can contribute greatly to feelings of anxiety and depression in new mothers. Being alone during this difficult time can make it hard for them to deal with the disorder.

When caring for a newborn, sleeping becomes more difficult due to their constant needs. It may seem impossible to try and shut down and get some much-needed rest. This lack of sleep can leave new mothers feeling exhausted, which is why support from relationships can be crucial. Having someone to share the load with can offer the opportunity for some much-needed rest.

However, even if they do receive appropriate care and support, the effects of lack of sleep may still linger. New mothers may still find themselves anxious and depressed despite their best efforts. They may feel like they are last on their own list of priorities, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed and struggling to cope.

woman in white tank top sitting on toilet bowl
Photo by Tony Mucci on Unsplash

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes play a significant role in postpartum depression, which is a difficult and distressing illness affecting new mothers. According to research reports, lack of sleep may contribute to this disorder, and even if they receive appropriate care and support, the effects of poor sleeping quality can be long-lasting. New moms who are struggling with anxiety and overwhelmed feelings might find it hard to cope and manage their relationships, leading them to feel alone and shut down. They may also be at risk for suicidal thoughts or crisis situations, affecting their ability to deal with daily life activities. It’s essential to examine and share effective ways to offer reliable tests that validate results when trying to help someone affected by postpartum depression.

History of Mental Illness

Dealing with postpartum depression can be difficult, especially for those who have a history of mental illness like anxiety or depression. According to research, these individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing the effects of postpartum depression. This is because they already struggle with anxiety and may lack the ability to cope with the additional stressors that come with having a new baby.

It’s important to note that postpartum depression can affect anyone regardless of their age, race, or socioeconomic status.

The Different Roles of Supportive Relationships during Postpartum Depression

4 Strategies for Supporting Relationships Affected by Postpartum Depression

man in white crew neck t-shirt kissing woman in white dress
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Communication

Being Open and Honest

Learning to talk about your feelings and know that you are being heard is an effective way to use your support system to help you through postpartum depression. Often times in marriage, women do not think it is possible, to be honest about how they feel. We encourage you to work on being ok with not being ok.

Active Listening

New parents both struggle as they adjust to life with a new baby. We encourage couples to follow the basic rules of active listening in order to parents are growing together instead of further apart. Active listening looks like asking insightful questions about what the other person is going through and using phrases such as, “I understand” or “Thank you for sharing.”

Sharing Feelings and Experiences

Welcoming a new baby is a big change for most couples. Postpartum depression disorder can make it difficult for new mothers to be in touch with their feelings or share their experiences. One way to practice good communication is to ask open-ended questions.

Self-Care

It is so easy as a mom to lose yourself in new motherhood and stop taking time for self-care. In fact, many women who suffer from postpartum depression stop bathing, washing their hair, or brushing their teeth. We at Eden Berry believe that well-taken care of mom can show up best for her new baby. We encourage new moms to find daily rituals that help them feel taken care of. Some examples of daily rituals are a nice long bath, listening to an enjoyable podcast, or taking 2 minutes to breathe before getting out of bed.

Prioritizing Sleep

Exhausted mother sleeping near her little infant baby
Exhausted mother sleeping near her little infant baby

Sleep is difficult with a newborn, but this is where the support system comes in. Partners, family, and friends are encouraged to alleviate nighttime sleep disruptions by sharing in night duty. If funds are available, try investing in a night nanny for a period of time so that both partners can get rest. Lastly, Eden Berry encourages new parents to learn sleep-shaping techniques baby to encourage babies to sleep through the night over time.

Seeking Professional Help

A professional therapist can play a crucial role in alleviating postpartum depression. A therapist can offer a diagnosis, which for many women is so helpful in putting language to their experience. Secondly, perinatal mental health experts can recommend treatment plans which may include medication. They can provide validated tests to examine how much the illness has impacted their ability to function. Additionally, they can share strategies for managing anxiety and try to build relationships as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, postpartum depression and relationships do not have to be a burden. As long as everyone involved is properly informed, new moms can get the help that they need and professional treatment they deserve. Postpartum depression should be taken seriously and mothers should feel empowered by the support system they have to thrive in motherhood.

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