Postnatal depression: The impact on the family

Abstract

This preliminary, qualitative paper explores the impact of postnatal depression on partners and other family members. Sixty women with postnatal depresssion were asked to have a questionnaire completed and returned by their partner or close family member. Thirty (50%) questionnaires were returned, 23 (77%) of which were completed by the woman's partner. The responses revealed that postnatal depression was placing considerable extra burdens on partners and close family members, affecting social and leisure activities and causing financial problems within the family. Postnatal depression was also having an adverse effect on on the marital relationship, and a detrimental impact on partners' own mental health. Respondents highlighted the need for health care services for postnatal depression to be extended to partners and family members as well as women. The need for further research to fully assess the impact of postnatal depression on the family is discussed.