'RHOP': Is Michael Darby causing Ashley's post-partum depression? Fans say he's 'stressing her f**k out'

On the latest episode of 'Real Housewives of Potomac', we once again saw Ashley struggling to come to terms with her new role as a mother
Michael Darby and Ashley Boalch (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
Michael Darby and Ashley Boalch (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Michael and Ashley Darby's marriage has taken a turn for worse ever since they had their baby, Dean. In an earlier episode, we saw Michael blaming their son for his infidelity Michael explained during the therapy session how he felt inadequate and neglected ever since the baby entered their lives. Unlike, Ashley who empathized with Michael and felt guilty for ignoring him and his needs, fans slammed him for not taking responsibility for his behavior.

On the latest episode of 'Real Housewives of Potomac', we once again saw Ashley struggling to come to terms with her new role as a mother. So, she made an appointment with her therapist to discuss her problems, and find out if she was suffering from post-partum depression. So, the therapist administers a questionnaire on the housewife to assess her situation. In a series of questions, that tried to understand Ashley's emotions and feelings post-pregnancy, it was revealed that she was struggling with her life.

Ashley observed how things haven't been good for her. She gives an analogy of being in a box, and not knowing how to reach out to anyone from the box, or allowing anyone into the box to help her, after her pregnancy. While Ashley was feeling bad for herself, and continuing to feel guilty over how the changes in her are affecting Michael, fans began slamming him.

Several fans felt that Ashley might be suffering from post-partum depression, but Michael and his roving eyes might be one of the contributing factors to her misery. A fan tweeted, "Having the baby isn’t Ashley’s issue, Michael is stressing her the f**k out and making her unhappy. He seemingly doesn’t help her, and he’s always cheating. #RHOP." Another fan wrote, "#rhop I hate the way they’re framing this as Ashley only having ppd. Yes she could very well have that but it doesn’t help she’s in a financially abusive marriage with a cheater. Let’s look at all causation."



 



 

A fan wondered, "Could Ashley maybe be crying a lot 'cause her scumbag husband is cheating on her and whining about being jealous of his baby? #RHOP." "Why is Ashley trying to place blame on herself for Gollum being a creep? Why is she playing in our face? Mess #RHOP," questioned a fan. "Ashley is putting too much pressure on herself to be a perfect parent. I remember when Michael told her he was afraid to have a baby with her because he thought she'd be like her mother. What has Michael ever done to prove his love? I truly want better for Ashley. #RHOP #Bravo," observed a fan.



 



 



 

'Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 5 airs every Sunday at 9/8c only on Bravo.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Task’ Season 2 is bringing in a new group of agents as Tom Brandis returns to lead another dangerous FBI operation
23 minutes ago
A touching tribute card during the ‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’ Season 2 finale left viewers curious about Phyllis Gilliam
2 hours ago
Following the 'NCIS' Season 23 finale, showrunner Steven D. Binder reveals how the series plans to fill the director's empty chair
10 hours ago
As filming kicks off in Greece, Netflix shared a video of Lily Collin making a major announcement about the upcoming Season 6.
11 hours ago
Hearst first appeared on the daytime soap opera in November 2002 and continued for seven years, then rejoined the show after several hiatuses in 2024.
13 hours ago
Season 2 of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' will find Aang and his group of friends trying their best to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and the Fire Nation
14 hours ago
'Will Trent' star shared his gratitude on social media following a heartbreaking finale that will reset the story's dynamics.
14 hours ago
'The Boroughs' is created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, while The Duffer Brothers have served as the executive producers.
15 hours ago
Fans expecting to see their favorite first responders from One Chicago will come onscreen sometime in the fall on NBC.
19 hours ago
Soldier Boy's abrupt exit in the penultimate episode and his absence in the finale have been a major talking point
19 hours ago