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How do I know if my friend has postpartum depression?

84 Answers
Last Updated: 06/04/2022 at 11:42pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
October 8th, 2016 9:39am
It's not wise to diagnose other people, friends, family or not. Only that person knows what they are experiencing, how they feel, what they are thinking. You should have a conversation with this person before you continue talking about them behind their back. Say something like "I'm worried about you. Can we talk? How are you feeling lately?" When appropriate say, "I've gotta be honest: I'm worried you might have postpartum depression. I'm worried about my friend and I'd feel better if you read some postpartum material with me, or looked into it on your own time."
WilkStepowy
March 8th, 2020 12:33pm
Only a professional (psychologist / psychotherapist / psychiatrist) can diagnose your friend, but you can see some of the symptoms which can make you suspicious about it and it is a good sign to look for help. You should look if your friend showing any depression symptoms for example: low self-esteem, persistent sadness, anxiousness or feeling od emptiness. Does your friend feel worthless or hopeless? Has suicidal or self-harm thoughts? Feels inadequate in taking care of the baby? Problems with sleep? Stopped self-caring? There's more signes which can make you worry about your friends condition. As I said. If you're seeing that something is wrong, you should contact with someone who can help professionally. I hope that i've helped you :)
Anonymous
December 16th, 2020 3:15am
Oftentimes, asking directly yet sensitively is the best approach. Especially for something like postpartum where the parent/guardian's main focus is their child rather than their own wellbeing. Assuming or imposing a diagnosis on your friend, even if you happen to be correct is tricky because it could corner them or come across as if it appears they are doing something wrong in their newfound parenthood. They would likely appreciate you being there for them and that first step could just be acknowledging their struggle as a new parent/guardian and offering your genuine support and care. We don't know anything for sure until it comes from the source(s) itself, so why not go to them! You got this!
Allyisnothere
August 13th, 2016 11:22am
Look for any major changes in him/her after childbirth. They may have great sadness, low energy, may be very tired, be irritable, have anxiety, might not be eating well or eating more than they normally do and may have crying episodes.
Anonymous
March 28th, 2020 12:14pm
Check in with her, and ask open ended questions like 'how are you feeling' and 'what have you eaten today?' If you are concerned about her answers, straight out ask 'do you think you could be experiencing postpartum depression?' If you have the space to be of support to her ask 'how can I best support you during this time?' Things that can often be appreciated are: Offer to make meals, get groceries, or drive her to doctors appointments. Ultimately, know it is not your responsibility to 'save her from depression.' That is beyond your control. Extending support can be gracious, make sure you are not trying to replace professional medical / psychological support.
Anonymous
May 25th, 2016 3:07pm
if she feels overwhelmed, guilty if she is irritable and cries Depends how well she seems to bond with her baby
TownTherapy
October 30th, 2019 12:58am
there are a lot of symptoms to look for when understanding post part depression, feelings of sadness or hopelessness are some of the first signs. It is normal for a new mom to be tired and overwhelmed but losing interest in activities or reduced social interactions is a sign for concern. If your friend is also continuing to worry and stress about being a good mom this might be a sign of postpartum depression. It is important to monitor these symptoms and if they don't diminish in 2 weeks it is best to find your friend a mental health professional. This professional can talk to your friend about these feelings and help her work through this hard time. It sounds like you are a really good friend and she is lucky to have you in her support system.
Anonymous
August 27th, 2017 8:18am
Postpartum depression looks different (it effects all women that have it differently) so it is not that easy as just looking at your friend and "knowing" she has postpartum depression. being a new mum can be isolating, challenging and even a little scary at times. Speaking with your friend and being there for her is the best way for her to feel comfortable to open up to you if she is feeling a it more than the baby blues, and if she does open up to you and let you know she might be struggling, support her and help her get help, speaking with her dr or a therapist might be a good idea for her. if you are worried about your friend and you have tried talking to her but you still feel unsure then there is this website http://www.postpartumprogress.com/the-symptoms-of-postpartum-depression-anxiety-in-plain-mama-english I would still say speaking with your friend is the best way to help her and to know what is going on with her though.
Amie709
March 31st, 2018 12:12am
may have a detachment to the baby, may show a lack of self care (dirty clothes, unkempt hair etc), crying, unable to sleep, lack of emotions. sadly, postpartum depression can look different depending on the person and the severity so the most important thing is to just look for things that are out of the ordinary while keeping in mind that having a new baby can make everything a little out of the ordinary
bbtAndsushi
June 18th, 2021 2:39am
To know whether a friend has postpartum depression (PPD), you may watch for a few signs. These may include changes in sleep and eating patterns, lack of interest in most things, social withdrawal, persistent sadness, higher levels of anxiety and irritability. Keeping in contact with the friend may help reduce the likelihood of developing PPD. If you suspect that a friend may be at risk for PPD and you'd like to support her, learning the skills to be an active listener could be an effective way. However, if you are hesitant about your ability to help, you could also suggest gently for her to see a professional.
ellinida24
October 13th, 2021 8:45pm
If your friend expresses feelings of guilt, worthlessness, depression, shame, suicidal thoughts, fear of harming the baby or themselves, difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions, bouts of crying, lack of interest or connection with the baby, feelings of anxiety while handling or near the baby, or a loss of interest or joy in activities that once brought them happiness your friend may be experiencing postpartum depression. Typically these feelings last for more than two weeks postpartum, but time frames vary from person to person. Sometimes women feel shame about expressing these feelings, so encourage your friend to speak about her emotions with empathetic language and open ended questions.
Anonymous
July 9th, 2021 12:54am
You won't. If you sense your friend is struggling, talk to them. Be there to support and listen. If at any point you sense that your friend or anyone around her is at potential risk of harm, you need to contact the appropriate source. Postpartum can present itself in many forms, sometimes in ways we hardly recognize at all. You know your friend, and you know yourself. Trust yourself. Most often with postpartum the mom has no idea what's happening, already feeling out of control. Pay attention to their words, behaviors, and subtleties.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2019 4:24pm
If they show consistent sadness over a long period of time, lack of eating or excessive eating. Depression symptoms also include lack of motivation for daily tasks and basic self care like simply taking a shower, cleaning their room or drinking water. They will also begin to show disinterest in activities and hobbies they used to find appealing, like painting, or writing. Someone with depression can also have suicidal thoughts, or they may feel worthless most of the time. They may think they're a burden to everyone, which makes it harder for them to talk. They might say things like that they don't want to be here in longer, and they find no point in existing anymore, etc.
MorningGreenTea
November 28th, 2021 12:26am
I don't think it's possible to 100% know if someone has postpartum depression right off the bat without an diagnosis. However, you can only be aware of common symptoms, which include having trouble with bonding with ones own baby, insomnia, loss of appetite, and irritation with others. Again though, no one can really "know" that someone has this illness, without professional care.
Anonymous
September 14th, 2019 8:54pm
Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include: Depressed mood or severe mood swings, Excessive crying, Difficulty bonding with your baby, Withdrawing from family and friends, Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual, Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much, Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy, Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy Intense irritability and anger Fear that you're not a good mother Hopelessness Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions Restlessness Severe anxiety and panic attacks Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
Trinisu
May 22nd, 2021 7:28am
If this person is your friend then you will be familiar with his or her normal degree of emotional display and responses to situations. If after having a baby you notice a pronounced change in their mood in terms of negative emotions, you see a greater degree of sef consciousness, depression anger overwhelment. Then there is a strong possibility that they may be effected. The best way however is to seek the advice of a medical practitioner or someone who is trained in identifying the signs and symptoms of postpartum syndrome. Then there will be no misdiagnosis made and the proper help can be acquired.
ComfortablyNumb7676
January 12th, 2019 9:43am
I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after I had my daughter. I hadn't experienced it with my son. I realized that I needed to talk to my doctor when fun songs came on the radio and made me sob. Literally, like party songs and they had me crying like a baby. I was prescribed medication for a short time and then I was fine. But every case is different. Look for the little things, it could be something subtle or it could be something major. Watch for changes in her mood and personality. I'm sure your friend would appreciate someone noticing that something is wrong.
bluebutton24
July 10th, 2019 7:20pm
To start, it requires a medical diagnosis to tell you whether or not your friend really does have it but there are some things you can take note of before taking her to a doctor. To start, following the pregnancy, you might notice she’s eating less than usual and might be easier to irritate and when she does get mad, it’s major. Another sign could be she isn’t into some of the things she was into. For example, she might’ve loved watching movies or going to the park but nowadays she always declines and says she’s not up for it or if you do go she seems lost in thought or distracted. One of the most obvious signs however, would be a lack of bonding with the new baby. Most new mothers refuse to leave the room their child is in and if instead she’s avoiding contact altogether or trying to get away from the child as fast as possible, it could be a sign of postpartum depression.
Thegirlwhowrites101
March 1st, 2018 1:19am
Well, in order to know for sure, talk to a doctor about your friend. Also, it might help more to get your friend to go to doctor themselves to get a for sure answer.
Kristiguo
December 5th, 2018 12:57am
Postpartum depression symptoms include; severe anxiety and panic attacks, excessive crying, loss of energy, insomnia, withdrawal from social activities, irrational fears like not being a good mother, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness/ shame/ guilt, thoughts of self harm, thoughts of harming the child, diminished ability to think, being fatigue, irritability, and more. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but can possibly begin earlier. If these symptoms interfere with the important aspects of your friend's life (e.g her child, relationships, family, work, mental health, physical health, personal development), then you can assume that something is not right.
endearingMermaid64
October 24th, 2018 10:32pm
You have to listen to they’re problems and talk to them that will let them know that they’re not alone and there are people who care about them I’m always here if you need someone to talk to because I’m part of the 7 cups which believes everyone should listen to eachother which is really important to me because I have been through depression before and it’s aqful so I’m always here to listen if you have any issues so talk to me and we can schedule meetings every weekend if you would like that! I believe every life is worth it.
Aditi24
August 30th, 2018 6:19am
Depression after childbirth comes with certain symptoms. Most common are anxiety, mood swings loss of appetite, crying outbursts, insomnia, thoughts of harming oneself etc. If you have observed any of these in your friend intensively then you may suggest her to seek help. Alternatively, you may speak to her and understand the challenges that she's going through emotionally and also try and analyse the duration of the same. If she mentions about her feelings lasting for over 2 weeks then it is the right time to approach a Mental Health Professional. Online therapy is also available for this and could be considered, if required.
MissLisa
August 24th, 2018 3:21pm
Following the birth of a child, it is normal for a mother to feel down otherwise known as the baby blues. Pregnancy and delivery can be very emotionally exhausting let alone the exhaustion experienced upon the arrive of a new born baby and getting them into a routine. However these feelings should pass a short time after having the baby. If the mother continues to feel like this then she should seek medical help to determine if she has postpartum depression. This time can be especially difficult and it is important for you to support your friend. Try and get them to be open and honest about how they are feeling. Encourage them to talk and if necessary seek help. Good communication is key.
Brittany8013
August 5th, 2018 11:44pm
This is a wonderful question, Postpartum depression is a real and serious matter that many dont take into consideration. There are many symptoms of PPD, some of which include: Insomnia, extreme sadness, extreme fear/anxiety, etc. If you think your friend is struggling, speaking with a health care professional is important to get her the help she may need.
bouncyPup68
August 4th, 2018 11:55pm
The best way to find out respectively is to just ask them. Have a heart-to-heart. They will appreciate that you care and are worried or thinking about them. I hope this helped! Feel free to private message me if you have anymore questions :)
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2018 5:56pm
If it seems they have anger, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness in their mood, they might have it. Check their behavior! If you notice they are constantly crying or they cannot sleep, chances are they have postpartum depression. Other signs include depression, fear, fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, unwanted thoughts, weight gain, weight loss, or insomnia.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2018 10:40pm
The best way to know would be to have them speak to a professional. However you could research the symptoms and signs. However seeking professional advice is always best.
Anonymous
March 30th, 2018 4:13pm
They may show signs of fear in relation to their past. Theye might find it hard to sleep which wold show in the way they do things as they would be tired.
ExpressingEmotion84
March 9th, 2018 7:13am
Having had and still going thru postpartum depression myself I can tell rather quickly if a friend or Loved one is suffering from postpartum depression. You'll begin to notice them sad more often than usual, not able to enjoy the new baby, lack of motivation, restlessness, isolation, etc. The overwhelming feeling of sadness and mood swings are a huge red flag.
chubbybunny0314
February 7th, 2018 5:29pm
Try asking her, look up the symptoms for postpartum depression and see if you see any occuring in her.