The Forgotten Supporters: Partners of Women with Postpartum Depression
When a new mother experiences postpartum depression (PPD), the focus of care and concern naturally centers on her wellbeing—as it should. However, new research highlights the critical role that partners play in recovery and the significant emotional toll they themselves experience when supporting a loved one through PPD.
A recent longitudinal study from the University of Michigan found that partners who received guidance and support in their supporting role not only improved outcomes for mothers with PPD but also experienced less depression, anxiety, and relationship strain themselves.
The Double Impact of Postpartum Depression
Dr. Marcus Chen, the study's lead researcher, explains: "We found that when one parent experiences postpartum depression, there's up to a 50% chance that their partner will also experience significant depression or anxiety. It's what we call a 'double impact' that affects the entire family system."
Partners often find themselves navigating a complex situation with little preparation or support:
- Witnessing the suffering of someone they love
- Taking on additional childcare and household responsibilities
- Feeling helpless to "fix" the situation
- Grieving the loss of the joyful postpartum period they had anticipated
- Worrying about both the mother's and baby's wellbeing
- Managing their own complex emotions about parenthood
- Often trying to balance these challenges with work responsibilities
Despite these challenges, partners are rarely screened for their own mental health concerns or offered resources specific to their needs.
Effective Support Strategies for Partners
The Michigan study identified several evidence-based approaches that helped partners effectively support women with PPD while maintaining their own wellbeing:
Education About PPD
Partners who received comprehensive education about PPD—including its causes, symptoms, and typical course—reported feeling more confident and less helpless. Understanding that PPD is a medical condition, not a reflection of the mother's character or capabilities, helped partners provide more empathetic support.
Concrete Support Actions
The research identified specific supportive behaviors that partners can implement:
- Validation without minimizing: Acknowledging the mother's feelings without trying to "fix" them or offering platitudes like "it will get better"
- Creating sleep opportunities: Taking the baby for specific time blocks to allow the mother uninterrupted sleep
- Handling logistics: Managing appointments, medication schedules, and other practical details
- Buffering external stressors: Running interference with visitors or family members who may not understand PPD
- Noticing improvements: Highlighting small signs of progress, which can be difficult for someone in the midst of depression to recognize
Self-Care Practices
The study found that partners who maintained their own wellbeing were more effective supporters. Recommended self-care practices included:
- Building a support network of friends, family members, or support groups
- Setting realistic expectations about the postpartum period
- Scheduling brief but regular respite time
- Seeking their own mental health support when needed
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques
Therapeutic Involvement
Including partners in at least some therapy sessions yielded significant benefits. This inclusion allowed for:
- Improved communication between partners about needs and expectations
- Coordinated approaches to managing PPD symptoms
- Enhanced understanding of how to respond to specific challenging situations
- Processing grief and disappointment together
- Strengthening the relationship despite the stress of PPD
Implementing Partner-Inclusive Care at Bloom Psychology
Based on this research and our clinical experience, we've expanded our approach to treating postpartum depression to more actively include partners in the recovery process.
"We've found that even brief partner involvement in treatment can make a significant difference," notes Dr. Jana Rundle. "Just one or two sessions that include a partner can enhance understanding, improve communication, and help couples navigate this challenging time together rather than feeling isolated in their separate experiences."
Our partner-inclusive approach includes:
- Educational sessions specifically for partners
- Optional partner participation in selected therapy sessions
- Resources specifically designed for the supporting partner
- Screening for depression and anxiety in partners
- Referrals to individual therapy for partners when needed
A Message for Partners
If you're supporting a partner through postpartum depression, remember that your role is crucial but challenging. You cannot single-handedly "fix" your partner's depression, but your support makes a significant difference in her recovery.
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary for the wellbeing of your entire family. Seek information, connect with other partners in similar situations, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Your willingness to learn about PPD and adapt to this unexpected challenge is a profound expression of love for both your partner and your child.
Dr. Jana Rundle
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
