Partner and Family Support Flashcards

What percentage of fathers and non-birthing partners are estimated to experience postpartum depression?

Answer: Approximately 10%

Research estimates that approximately 10% of fathers and non-birthing partners experience postpartum depression, though this is likely underreported.

How does a partner's own mental health affect the primary caregiver's PMAD recovery?

Answer: Partner mental health difficulties can worsen the primary caregiver's depression and slow recovery

When a partner also struggles with depression or anxiety, their capacity to support the primary caregiver is reduced, which can worsen and prolong PMAD recovery.

What is the most helpful role a partner can play when their loved one has postpartum depression?

Answer: Providing practical support, emotional validation, and encouraging professional help

Partners are most helpful when they offer practical household support, validate feelings without minimizing them, and actively encourage professional treatment.

Which PSI resource is specifically dedicated to fathers and non-birthing partners?

Answer: PSI's 'Help for Dads' webpage and downloadable resources

PSI provides the 'Help for Dads' webpage and associated downloadable resources specifically designed to inform and support fathers and non-birthing partners.

Why is couples therapy recommended as an adjunct in treating perinatal depression?

Answer: Relationship conflict and communication breakdowns both contribute to and result from perinatal depression

Couples therapy addresses the relational strain that both contributes to perinatal depression and results from it, supporting both the individual and the relationship.

What is a common but unhelpful statement partners make to someone with postpartum depression?

Answer: 'You should be happy — you have a beautiful baby'

Statements like 'you should be happy' invalidate the person's feelings and increase shame and guilt, making them less likely to seek help.