How do I know if my friend has postpartum depression?
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Last Updated: 06/04/2022 at 11:42pm
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There are some classic signs about postpartum depression. You can search for them online and if you feel that your friend demonstrates them, you can talk to her directly. You can also share your concren with her family.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2016 6:48am
Without medical advice you cannot diagnose her, you an only be there for her and offer advice when needed, Maybe you can suggest taking her to a doctor.
If your friends mood really changed going into motherhood. If you are really worried tell her to go talk to her doctor she might have a hormonal imbalance.
If your friends character really changes the moment she steps into motherhood. The definition of postpartum depression is: depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.
The first step is always to ask. If you are truly worried about your friend you need to let them know. Recommend them here or to a site to give a brief "diagnoses" of how they're feeling. If it seems they do have postpartum depression, you can recommend them to someone professional, or simply let them know you'll be there for them while they're struggling.
you know you're friend has and is postpartum depressed when they have insomnia, loss of appetite, and moody
If he starts to withdraw from activities, and when he goes to the doctor and gets his tests done, the results will show.
Anonymous
February 2nd, 2018 4:56pm
If you start to notice them not acting like the person you know. Not wanting to go anywhere may be a sign, and just feeling upset.
If your friend is showing signs of depression following the birth of a child then this may be postpartum/postnatal depressions. Things to look out for include crying, neglecting looking after themselves or the baby, talking as if they don't love the child, getting angry easily, anxiety or loss of appetite to name a few. Please encourage them to seek help as this is very treatable and it does NOT make them a bad mother.
This is a tough one. Postpartum depression affects a lot of mothers and, many times, they're not well educated about the psychological effects that can go along with having a baby. Postpartum depression is a sort of sadness that makes people unhappy with things that they used to love. These people often become withdrawn and downbeat or have other changes in their personality. However, the only one that can really determine if someone has postpartum depression is the person with it and a psychologist/psychiatrist. They could also just be really tired because the kid is keeping them up all night... It really just depends.
It would be best to look up "postpartum depression" online or in birthing books. You can, also, call a OB/GYN for more information about this topic. Even just calling a Dr. or local physician can give you and your friend more information about what postpartum depression is, what it does, and how it can be managed and/or treated.
You could try to talk to your friend and support her through this time. You could ask her directly, or you could keep a careful eye out for her symptoms. If she is worrying you, you could suggest that she seeks help or offer your support to her directly.
When a new mother has a baby and they don't seem excited about the new baby or if they are trying to stay at home constantly and do not want to interact with others is a pretty good sign they may have postpartum depression. Also, if you see they are crying more and have no interest in their regular household duties.
People may experience:
Mood: anger, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or panic attack
Whole body: fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
Psychological: depression, fear, or repeatedly going over thoughts
Behavioral: crying or irritability
Cognitive: lack of concentration or unwanted thoughts
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: insomnia
If she has symptoms of depression that persist beyond the first two weeks after giving birth, encourage your friend to contact her healthcare provider.
Here's the rub about that; You may see symptoms and signs that someone might be suffering from PostPartum Depression, but you're not in their head. The best thing you can do is offer support and postive interactions with said friend, even as far as offering cheerful or well-thought ideas to help them through it. Be respectful if they aren't comfortable talking about it, but let them know that you've got their back regardless.
Anonymous
December 22nd, 2016 1:32am
Unless you are a qualified professional, you won't really "know", but there maybe subtle signs that could very well indicate a reason to talk to your friend. What about your friend makes you consider postpartum depression? If you're friend has begun to experience behavioral, emotional, or any other bothersome characteristics after birth, consider being an encouragement to her and talking to her about what may be going on. If she does indeed feel that she may be suffering from postpartum depression, encourage her to seek professional help.
You can never know unless you get her to go to the doctor. Postpartum depression is a very serious matter. You should sit down with her and see if she feels depressed and if she's like to go see a doctor. Make sure you talk to her about the normality of this. It's hard to talk about something and feel like a freak.
Anonymous
November 4th, 2016 3:47pm
Things such as not caring for herself or the baby, staying inside, losing contact with others and forgetfulness are all signs of postpartum depression, suggest to your friend that she goes to her doctor/therapist.
Anonymous
September 30th, 2016 12:52pm
If they do not seem happy and there usually self. If they don't have motive to get up and go out to try new things
If you think that your friend might have postpartum depression, talking to him/her might help. Instead of jumping to conclusions, talk to them about it.
The best way you can know, it ask. By asking, you are showing that you care and that you can tell something is wrong. By acknowledging you know her and that she isn’t being herself, this will help her feel like she is not alone, and that you are there to help. After you ask, be a good listener and express empathy and support.
I try to be as understanding as I can be and listen to her and help her as much as I can and show her all my love and support.
Most of the time he's pretty quite. He wants to be alone way more of often than usual. Another thing would be that he keeps lying in bed for hours without doing anything
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