PSI Partner and Family Support 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What percentage of fathers and non-birthing partners are estimated to experience postpartum depression?
- Approximately 10% (Correct answer)
- Less than 1%
- 50%
- 25%
Correct answer: Approximately 10%
Research estimates that approximately 10% of fathers and non-birthing partners experience postpartum depression, though this is likely underreported.
Question 2: How does a partner's own mental health affect the primary caregiver's PMAD recovery?
- Partner mental health difficulties can worsen the primary caregiver's depression and slow recovery (Correct answer)
- Partner mental health has no effect on the primary caregiver's recovery
- Partners with depression provide more effective support
- Partner mental health only matters during pregnancy
Correct answer: Partner mental health difficulties can worsen the primary caregiver's depression and slow recovery
When a partner also struggles with depression or anxiety, their capacity to support the primary caregiver is reduced, which can worsen and prolong PMAD recovery.
Question 3: What is the most helpful role a partner can play when their loved one has postpartum depression?
- Providing practical support, emotional validation, and encouraging professional help (Correct answer)
- Minimizing the problem to avoid worry
- Taking complete control of infant care without involving the mother
- Waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own
Correct answer: Providing practical support, emotional validation, and encouraging professional help
Partners are most helpful when they offer practical household support, validate feelings without minimizing them, and actively encourage professional treatment.
Question 4: Which PSI resource is specifically dedicated to fathers and non-birthing partners?
- PSI's 'Help for Dads' webpage and downloadable resources (Correct answer)
- PSI's clinical provider directory only
- PSI's breastfeeding support guides
- PSI's medication safety database
Correct answer: PSI's 'Help for Dads' webpage and downloadable resources
PSI provides the 'Help for Dads' webpage and associated downloadable resources specifically designed to inform and support fathers and non-birthing partners.
Question 5: Why is couples therapy recommended as an adjunct in treating perinatal depression?
- Relationship conflict and communication breakdowns both contribute to and result from perinatal depression (Correct answer)
- Couples therapy is only for pre-existing marital problems
- It replaces individual therapy for the affected parent
- Couples therapy worsens postpartum depression outcomes
Correct answer: Relationship conflict and communication breakdowns both contribute to and result from perinatal depression
Couples therapy addresses the relational strain that both contributes to perinatal depression and results from it, supporting both the individual and the relationship.
Question 6: What is a common but unhelpful statement partners make to someone with postpartum depression?
- 'You should be happy — you have a beautiful baby' (Correct answer)
- 'I'm here to support you in any way you need'
- 'We should call your doctor together'
- 'Your feelings are valid and this is treatable'
Correct answer: 'You should be happy — you have a beautiful baby'
Statements like 'you should be happy' invalidate the person's feelings and increase shame and guilt, making them less likely to seek help.
PSI Partner and Family Support 1
What percentage of fathers and non-birthing partners are estimated to experience postpartum depression?