{"id":20191,"date":"2023-01-27T15:04:23","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T20:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20191"},"modified":"2023-03-17T14:28:10","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T19:28:10","slug":"how-postpartum-depression-can-impact-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-postpartum-depression-can-impact-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"How Postpartum Depression Can Impact Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcoming a new baby is one of life\u2019s great joys, but it\u2019s not all a walk in the park. The sleepless nights and influx of feelings and emotions can be tricky to handle. It\u2019s common to go through a wide range of emotions when adding a new family member, from happiness to sadness and everything in between.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some moms, however, experience a severe, long-lasting form of depression called <\/span>postpartum depression<\/span><\/a> that occurs after they give birth. This can put a strain on a marriage or relationship, especially for new moms who aren\u2019t sure how to cope with the situation or who may be experiencing unfamiliar thoughts or feelings they do not understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Understanding postpartum depression<\/h3>\n

Stigma or shame surrounding postpartum depression may cause those going through it to avoid or delay appropriate treatment. Postpartum depression is relatively common \u2014<\/span>around 1 in 7<\/span><\/a> women and birthing parents develop it. Symptoms typically present within the first few days or weeks after giving birth, but they may appear during the pregnancy or up to a year after childbirth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some common misconceptions around postpartum depression can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. One is that it only affects the person who gave birth. Actually, postpartum depression can appear in the mother, <\/span>father<\/span><\/a> or infant and even surrogate or adoptive parents. Another myth is that it will go away on its own over time. Left untreated, postpartum depression can take a significant toll on mental and physical health, as well as relationships. Postpartum depression can even interfere with your ability to care for your new baby or complete daily tasks. That\u2019s why reaching out for <\/span>help is critical<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The effects of postpartum depression on your mental health<\/h3>\n

Caring for a new baby brings up a wide and sometimes contradictory variety of emotions. Because of this, it\u2019s common to have \u201c<\/span>baby blues<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Postpartum depression is a far more serious condition that includes these <\/span>symptoms<\/span><\/a>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n