Celebrating the small victories in battling postpartum depression

A woman's body experiences numerous changes after pregnancy, including the potential onset of postpartum depression. New moms need time to recuperate and restore their physical, mental, and emotional health. Similarly, u/hasfeh shared a post explaining that she was going through postpartum depression and it was her husband’s help and support that came through for her. The woman shared how her depression significantly challenged her, prompting her husband to take over the household chores and baby care.

“I’ve been struggling with PPD. My husband has been doing work, cleaning, cooking and most childcare,” she wrote. The woman then mentioned that her husband did not make a big deal out of her depression and was supportive. He willingly helped her out. However, when the new mom accomplished a task, her husband's reaction was incredibly heartwarming. “This is how he reacted today when I told him what I had done whilst he put our son to sleep,” she said. The woman also shared a screenshot of her chat with her husband. “So I took all the trash out, except the paper, I cleared the little storage area and I wiped the surfaces,” the woman said in her text. 

Although a simple task might typically elicit a basic response like "okay," her husband replied with thoughtful enthusiasm. The husband acknowledged the woman’s effort and applauded her for being able to take those few steps and do those little chores. He replied with one word, “Goddess,” indicating that he was amazed by her work. Anyone going through depression needs encouragement. As put by u/BabserellaWT in the comments section, “When you’re clawing your way out of depression, sometimes you need affirmation for even the most basic things. My husband doesn’t have depression, but I still thank him for doing his chores. I want him to know I appreciate him.”

The husband understood his wife’s struggle and when she mustered the strength to get out of her zone and try and do something, he ensured that he supported and hyped her up in the best way he could. “I can’t explain why, but it just made me smile hard,” the wife exclaimed. She also replied with a happy emoji to her husband's text, feeling proud and satisfied by her efforts because the husband assured her that it mattered. Fellow couples and moms commended the woman for trying her best through her postpartum depression. Others shared their experiences on how crucial partnership and support are in relationships. 

u/Pippin_the_parrot wrote, “Every time I think about criticizing something my wonderful husband does, I take 5 seconds to ponder what annoying things I do that he doesn’t complain about. Keep working your way out. Nothing is wrong with baby steps.” u/BabserrellaWT said, “When you’re clawing your way out of depression, sometimes you need affirmation for even the most basic things.” u/MrsKay21 remarked, “Love this. I’ve been going through a very difficult time and my husband has been carrying 80% of the chores. The partnership is teamwork. It’s not 50/50. It’s 80/20 or 30/70 depending on where each other are at.” The responses to the post renewed many people's belief in loving, supportive partnerships within marriage.