Postpartum Depression?

Question

Hi ladies! Just really looking for some input. My best friend had a baby girl two weeks ago. She is having a really tough time. She talks about wanting to leave and just not come back. She cries everyday since her mom (who came down to help right when the baby was born) had to go back home which is about 500 miles away. She talks about how hard being a new mother is, etc.

Now, I am not diagnosing her, but her mom discussed with me that she thinks my friend might have postpartum depression.

Anyways, my question is, have any of you gone through postpartum depression? And what helped you? Are there things I shouldn't say or do? Are there things I could say and do?

It breaks my heart to see her struggling and I just want to be there to support her. ❤

Answer

The just wanting to leave and non stop crying sounds exactly how I was after my daughter was born and I had post partum depression. I can say it was the most horrible feeling. I knew all my thoughts were irrational but no matter what I could not stop thinking and believing them. I felt I was never going to be happy again. I was so determined to not admit there wad an issue but at about 5 weeks i finally was like I have to go see my dr and get help. I can honestly say it was the best thing I never did. Ingot put on 10mg of zoloft and within a few days was feeling like my old self. After I was very open with this it turned out most the women in knew also suffered from it but never shared it with anyone. I feel some of society makes post partum depression means your unstable or a bad parent, but that's not true. It's something so common and I wish more people would be open about it. Anyone I know who is pregnant or has a baby and is struggling I'm open with my situation so they know they are not alone and that it's ok to ask for help. I'm sorry for the long comment, but it does sound like your friend may have it.

Answer

She needs to talk to her doctor. You can help by helping. Go over, help with laundry, do dishes, sweep the floor, let her get a nap. Offer to go with her to help so she can see her doctor.

Answer

It would be important for her to get professional help and her dr needs to know these things. Also helping out wherever she needs it and you have the ability to would probably ease some of those feelings she is having. Also, her significant other should be aware of this as well. And he should be helping her and watching for any warning signs she may hurt her baby.

Answer

I had a pretty bad depressive epidose after my son. I was started on antidepressants and that seemed to help at first, however my father in law passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer only 3 months after my son was born. He was literally diagnosed and dead in less than a week. That hit me hard. I ended up attempting suicide and a nice long stay in the hospital helped me a lot. It was hard because I missed my baby so very badly but I needed to get better. A lot of mom's with ppd will isolate themselves. Try getting her out of the house even if it's just to go to the store. I'd also try to sit down and talk with her about your concerns...untreated ppd can be come severe or even lead to psychosis. I hope your friend gets the help she needs.

Answer

I think it's somewhat natural to feel that way 2 weeks after baby arrives, especially when your help just left and now you're alone.  If it lasts much longer, she should discuss with her doctor.

Answer

Just let her know that you are here for her if she needs you. Lend a shoulder to cry on or just offer to sit and listen. I have had postpartum since my son was born. He's 2 now. I would say if she is having any thoughts of self harm or harm to others she may want to bring it up to her doctor at her postpartum check up.

Postpartum Depression?

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