Counselling

Goal setting

Sometimes the woman with PND benefits from being given 'permission' to re-ignite her dreams and visions for her own life.  These are often lost in her efforts to meet her expectations of herself as a mother and the depression process.

These dreams and visions will be different with the long term commitment of having children but it is important for the woman's well being to have a sense of the big picture of her life, for example plans for work, study, travel, hobbies.

Acknowledging that it may be plans only in the short term is important but should not limit her ability to set goals and have visions for herself in the long term.

Postpone any major life decisions

Postnatal depression can put an enormous strain on any relationship.  Even when the partner is patient and supportive, it isn't unusual for a couple battling PND to think that their relationship has soured beyond repair.  Generally, this is not the case, since most relationships return to normal once the depression lifts.

Similarly there may be parts of the woman's life that she may feel needs to be changed or big decisions that need to be made.  Because many things look different because of the presence of PND it is a good idea for the woman and her partner to postpone any major life decisions while in the grip of PND.

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