How to deal with depression after childbirth?
For some women, depression after childbirth is common, but there are those who go through this period very difficult. And life with a depressed wife is really difficult. After all, various quarrels and conflicts can constantly arise between you, which in turn will negatively affect your relationship.
So I think it will be useful for many men to find out how they can help their wife in this situation, and how they need to act so that this situation does not affect their future relationship in the marriage.
1. Give her emotional and physical support.
First of all, support your wife and help her. Because depression after childbirth can come quickly enough. And, if a woman is not provided with emotional and physical support in time, then she will only get worse. So do your best to support your spouse during this stressful period.
When you are at home and you see that she needs help, ask in a polite tone how you can help. For example, you might say, “Honey, I see that you have a lot to do right now. I want to help you with something, but I don’t know how. Please tell me what you want me to do? ” Make it clear to your wife that you understand that caring for the child is your shared responsibility. As a result, it will bring relief to your woman and lift her spirits.
2. Spend more time with your wife
Your spouse may feel overwhelmed by not spending enough time with her. A young mother who spends a lot of time alone with her baby may feel lonely and depressed at times. So make a commitment to spending as much time as possible with your wife during this period.
Be close to her. Allow her to share possible fears and concerns. Moreover, do not interrupt her when she “pours out to you everything that hurts her.” Just be quiet and listen carefully as she talks about what worries her. And after she finishes speaking, say something nice to support her.
Also, be sure to look your wife in the eye when she voices her concerns. With an understanding on your face, say that you empathize with her in what she is going through. Nod with understanding when she says something that makes her worry. Then give a hug and say something like this: “I understand you, dear. But do not worry, I will be by your side, and we will be fine. ”
3. Use encouraging words more often.
Use words and actions to show your wife that you love and appreciate her. Try to cheer her up every day with positive words. Your wife may feel that postpartum depression will last forever, even if it is temporary. Therefore, you need to remind her every day that this state will pass and she will return to her usual life.
Also, make it clear that you will support her every day. These steps will show that your spouse can count on your emotional support, which in turn will help her feel better faster.
Here are some phrases that you can say to your beloved woman: “Honey, you are a great wife! You are a wonderful woman! And I am very proud to be your husband. I know that you are in a difficult period now, but I love you very much and will always be there. Everything will get better soon, and we will continue to enjoy life with our child. ”
4. Calm your wife down more often
Your spouse may initially doubt their ability to care for the child on their own, and this can be a factor in the onset of depression. Therefore, regularly tell her the following: “Honey, I am proud of the way you care for our child. You are the best mom for our baby. You are doing everything right. I am sure that we will bring up a wonderful boy / girl. So don’t worry. ”
5. Offer her to consult a specialist
If your spouse is still struggling with depression, and you have exhausted all the strategies outlined above, then advise her to consult with a specialist. Try to show that she does not need to continue to suffer from depression after childbirth, because there are people who can help her gradually overcome negative thoughts, and quickly return to normal life. This may be enough to convince her to seek help.
Also keep in mind that the spouse may be afraid to tell the doctor what she is going through, so you must reassure her of your presence if she goes to therapy. If you are around, she will feel calmer. Therefore, it will help her to better express her own thoughts and get the right treatment.
6. Find people who know well what depression is after childbirth.
Find stories and tips online from women who have successfully survived postpartum depression. Then read these stories to your wife every night so she can see that other people have successfully gone through what she is going through now. Then discuss the practical steps these women took. Let your spouse write these tips down and make sure she follows them regularly.
Also, if among your acquaintances there is a woman who experienced depression after childbirth and coped with it successfully, then ask her to talk to your wife and cheer her up. Let her inform your wife about the steps to get out of this state as soon as possible. As a result, when your spouse hears this woman’s personal story, she will better understand her feelings, and this will help her better understand her condition. It will be easier for her to come to terms with her own feelings, and she will be able to manage her emotions.
Encourage your spouse to put these tips into practice every day. Let her know that you love her a lot and you hate to see her in a bad mood.
If you, as a husband, complain that your wife yells at you after giving birth, is constantly in a bad mood, and does not want to talk. Then you should understand that she is now suffering from postpartum depression. And it is at this moment that she needs your help and support, and not resentments and conflicts that many men are satisfied with.
Give your wife much-needed moral support. Be patient and try to spend more time with her. It is important for you to show love for your wife. And make every effort to make her feel valuable, needed and loved. As a result, the spouse will regain a positive attitude, and quickly return to the usual way of life.