Are you worried about your partner?

Does she not seem like herself?

Is she withdrawn, irritable or prone to frequent crying?

The person you love may be suffering from Postpartum Depression (PPD) and she needs your help. It is important that your partner receive treatment, however, it is equally important that as her partner, you also receive support because it is hard to witness the woman you love going through something you never would have imagined.

You ask yourself, “where is the woman I fell in love with?” and more importantly “will she ever come back?”  And the answer is, yes, with treatment and support for both of you, PPD is 100% treatable.

Some Important Information to Remember

• Postpartum Depression affects 20% - 30% of all postpartum women.
• Women are most likely to experience an emotional illness following the birth of a baby than at any other time in their life.
• It is a real illness. PPD is a clinical depression that can occur any time during the first year postpartum.
• If your partner has been diagnosed with PPD, it is very important for you to be informed and to be a part of her treatment.
• PPD is nobody’s fault. It is not your fault; it is not your wife’s fault.
• This did not happen because your wife is a bad mother or doesn’t love you or the baby enough and she cannot “snap out of it.”
• This is not fair. This is not what you expected and it is sad that it is happening.
• Try to reassure your wife that there is nothing she has done to make this happen and you will stand by her.
• She will get better and return to her “normal” self. Although it will take some time for your wife to recover, the more supportive you are of her treatment, the smoother her recovery will be.

Services for Dads & Families

Attending Sessions with Mom – dads are always encouraged to participate in their partners treatment by attending a few joint sessions together. It is important that you know what is happening with her treatment. You will be provided with information, support and reassurance. Your individual situation and coping will also be assessed.

Individual Counselling for Dad – This is a difficult time for you. You may be struggling to adjust to the many changes in your life since your baby arrived. Sleepless nights, the demands of a crying baby, financial stress, and conflict with your partner can all take a toll. It can be difficult for men to admit that they may not be coping as well as they would like or expected so they may slip into denial by working more, avoiding difficult situations or perhaps using alcohol as an escape. By attending counselling, you will be assisted to develop a plan to improve how you are feeling and coping. 

Resource Assistance – dads and families play an important role in the treatment of PPD. It is an illness that affects the family and enlisting the support of the family will ensure a quicker, smoother recovery. A list of helpful resources including handouts, books, support groups and websites can be provided.  Other family members, with the permission of the mother, are also welcome to attend for a session to receive information, support and reassurance.