Most new parents experience Postpartum Depression. Spouses can recognize the symptoms of this illness and encourage their partners to seek treatment.
When a new baby is born, new parents frequently anticipate emotional changes in themselves. The difficulties with mental health that can arise during pregnancy and after giving delivery, however, are not always anticipated.
People who have postpartum depression (PPD) or similar prenatal mood illness may feel especially lost without their spouses. It may be challenging to determine whether your spouse is experiencing the “baby blues,” which may pass quickly, or postpartum depression or anxiety (PPA).
1. Prenatal mood disorders: what are they?
New or soon-to-be parents may experience anxiety or depressive symptoms. Prenatal refers to when they occur during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth.
Among the prenatal conditions are:
Depression during pregnancy: sadness before giving birth
Depression following childbirth is known as postpartum depression.
Anxiety during pregnancy: worry before giving birth
Postpartum anxiety: stress following childbirth
Before your partner became pregnant, you might have heard the term “postpartum depression. But a lot of folks also feel anxious at this time. Anxiety and depression can occasionally occur together.
Different from the minor emotional changes that occur during pregnancy are prenatal mood disorders. These illnesses have more severe symptoms that linger for two weeks or longer.
2. What symptoms and indicators should you watch out for?
There are several signs that your partner might be dealing with a prenatal mood illness. The symptoms go beyond “baby blues,” which might include crying, sadness, impatience, and worry. While they frequently only last 1-3 weeks, PPD or PPA can cause the symptoms to remain longer.
Postpartum depression symptoms include:
Persistent melancholy
Guilty or hopeless thoughts
Loss of enthusiasm for fun activities
Low energy or fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Physical discomfort with no apparent cause
Unhealthy appetite
Ongoing concerns over your ability to care for the infant
Thoughts of killing oneself, the baby, or oneself
Postpartum anxiety symptoms include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
The inability to sit motionlessly and restlessness
Faster respiration
Rapid or irregular pulse
Sweating
Nausea
Unable to fall asleep
Panic disorders
Feeling anxious or tense
Much rumination or worrying
Spouses may occasionally notice these symptoms. However, there are occasions when new parents conceal their emotions and refuse to discuss them, even with their partners.
3. When should the spouse start expressing some concerns?
It’s not always simple to know how to support a partner who is experiencing Postpartum Depression or anxiety. However, you may help by taking some action.
You can voice your worries in a considerate, encouraging, and non-judgmental manner as soon as you suspect that your spouse’s emotional health may be changing.
Here are some suggestions for how to go about it.
Begin the discussion. Find out how your partner is doing.
Could you describe what you see to them? Inform your partner that you have noticed they are not eating or sleeping well and are interested in learning how they are feeling.
Declare your concern. Find out from them what they’re going through or feeling.
I’ll listen, I swear. Allow your spouse some room to vent their feelings.
If you’re unsure whether your spouse is experiencing PPD or PPA and are uncertain how to approach them, you can consult a family doctor or a mental health expert. They might be able to offer assistance.