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ADVICE FOR CARERS
(Partner, Parents, Friends, etc.)
Don't expect the sufferer to have fears and worries that
are reasonable. When you are depressed quite small things can worry or upset you
greatly.
Do try to give her as much practical help as possible.
Depression makes a sufferer feel extremely tired and small tasks feel like huge
ones.
Don't nag. Try to keep your patience even though it may
be taxed.
Don't point out shortcomings, unfinished jobs, unkempt
appearance.
Don't say "Pull yourself together. You don't know
how lucky you are. There are lots worse off than you."
Don't leave her alone with the baby if you feel there is
the slightest possibility of her doing harm to the child or herself.
Do try to let the mother express her own true feelings of
anxiety and fear, even if she repeats herself.
Do allow the mother to talk freely and express her
innermost fears without showing shock or amazement.
Do show consideration and sympathy for her in her
predicament. Reassure her that she will recover, repeat this reassurance as
often as you can.
Do encourage her to have as much rest as possible.
Do encourage and praise when the mother makes an effort.
Do encourage her to seek professional help if she has not
already done so.
Do try to get out with friends, without the children if
you can, but never force the mother to do anything she doesn't feel up to doing.
To Partners - Remember she is still your wife/girlfriend,
not just the mother to a child.
Don't try to cope alone. You may find the present
situation exhausting and stressful. Do talk about your own feelings as much as
possible and accept any offers of help.
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED
Remember
PNI is an illness
and mothers who suffer from it WILL recover.
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