ABSTRACT
Although this book has primarily focused on targeting the symptoms of anxiety and depression in women during pregnancy and the postpartum, these difficulties do not occur in a vacuum. Members of a woman’s family, her broader support network, and her healthcare team play a vital role in providing support and additional resources at this important time in her life. This is also a time that can be stressful and challenging for other members of the family. New fathers, for example, often report that they do not have access to resources for their own distress or struggle to know how they can help their anxious partners. Chapter 12 provides a discussion of the important role played by a woman’s broader support network during her pregnancy and the postpartum in helping her to reduce stress and maintain good mental health. Strategies to help women maximize their access to sources of support are presented. In addition, this chapter provides suggested reading for loved ones and guidance on how to help one’s anxious partner.
