I think my husband has postpartum/natal depression and I want to help him but I don't know how
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@Madeleine yh he is willing to talk to a therapist I said I would help him look and contact people it's just ik the waiting lists can be so long and I would like him to get help now and so would he. I think it might be worth making a doctors app but he said we doesn't want to go on medication which I can understand as antidepressants always made me feel numb and he doesn't want to feel that way either. Think I'll defend try encouraging him to get out the house more and let him sleep more never even thought of that, thank u x
I would talk to the health visitor. Maybe referral to talking therapy is avalible for me too?
If he's willing to do talk therapy and local options aren't available, there is digital options too like telehealth and better. I had PPD with my second, but I've had therapy for regular anxiety and depression. I think recognizing that intrusive thoughts are not true and challenging them was big for me. My big tell for PPD was my brain telling me I don't deserve to eat. Also recognizing things that you do every day can help. Like oh hey I changed x amount of diapers today, oh I made formula for the whole day this morning. I found a habit tracker notepad at Barnes and Noble and I'm using it for myself and my husband to recognize that even though we are drowning in house stuff, we are doing tasks everyday. Also it's easier to challenge invasive thoughts when it's written. Journaling is an underrated tool!
@Lisa thank u that's helpful, I suggested getting a note pad to write his thoughts and feelings down because ik sometimes writing it down helps me process my emotions more. Didn't think about acknowledging the small things throughout the day but that's a good idea, for me it just comes naturally so I don't even think about it but now I see how it can take a lot of mental energy to do those things if u feel that way x
@rosie I didn't think of that I'll give that ago thank u x
I don’t know where you’re based, but if you’re in the UK have a look at “Dadmatters”. They were in the hospital when we gave birth but I’ve also worked alongside them with clients in my work who seem to have been really positive about them.
It is definitely a real thing and not talked about enough. I’ve noticed on all our pediatric check ups they just check on my well being and not my husbands. He definitely has ppd as well and for us it’s been important to talk about it and acknowledge that he has it too. I’m trying to support him in ways I can by giving him a sleep in when he really needs to. Take the baby out when he needs a break and encourage him to start exercising again. Getting out of the house and work out has definitely helped a lot. Is your husband willing to talk to a therapist? Mine is reluctant but I would say if your is willing to that could be a great start. And if he has a hard time actually finding someone and booking an appointment maybe you could help and do that for him if he is ok with that. Sometimes that first step is really hard. You could also encourage him to contact his primary care physician to discuss treatment options. He is lucky to have you so supporting and wanting to help him