What the partner can do to help combat postnatal depression

Partners can often find themselves 'out of their depth' when the woman is experiencing postnatal depression. It is often a fragile time for the relationship and partners can find that they too are quickly drained of resources if they are feeling tired, and at times unable to cope themselves, with the strains of supporting the woman, caring for the baby, providing financially, possibly looking after siblings and being 'strong' for the woman.

The following are some suggestions that other partners have found useful in supporting themselves when dealing with postnatal depression. They include:

	Reading about, and becoming familiar with the condition.
	Being patient and working through the emotions of postnatal depression. This can take time involving periods of progress with the woman having many 'good days', and periods of regression with some 'bad days'.
	Listening to her. Not judging her by what she is truly feeling. The signs of postnatal depression are symptoms of an illness, not reflective of how your partner is as a person and a mother.
	Not ignoring your own feelings. If you need help and support ask for it, or seek it out.
	Journaling your own feelings and possibly sharing these with someone you trust.
	Trying to avoid terms such as: 'Pull yourself together.' or 'You will just have to cope.' or 'Well, what do you want me to do about it?' Her feelings of postnatal depression are not logical.

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