Can post partum depression cause someone to act out as they never would have before?

Question

Ok, my sister-in-law had a baby on May 7, 2008. Just within the last couple of months, she has been arrested twice. Both for different reasons and the first one, she lied about. Although she has always been "dramatic", she has NEVER been arrested before. It's usually her attitude that gets her in trouble, not her actions.

I'm just trying to figure out why the heck she's gone downhill since having her baby. She loves him very much and cares for him like a caring mother would, but her life outside of her baby has gone into shambles.

Now, I don't really understand all the symptoms of post partum depression, but I've heard it can make your life miserable. Does anyone know if it's possible that someone could suddenly "act out" because of it?

Answer 1

Post partum psychosis is rare but not unheard of. She needs to be seen by a professional. She's a mother and needs to start acting like one. Tell her to get help right away. Her kids deserve better then a jailbird mommy.

Answer 2

I would think psychosis but not depression.

  

Answer 3

Post partum depression can cause someone to act out in strange ways. If this wasn't how she acted before the baby was born then it worth looking into.

Answer 4

YES - get her some help ASAP.

Talk to a doctor, bring her, do whatever you can.

From: http://health.yahoo.com/other-other/post...

Postpartum depression (PPD). Symptoms of postpartum depression can follow postpartum blues. They can feel like more of the same, or worse than before. Postpartum depression can also happen months after childbirth or pregnancy loss. In some cases, symptoms peak after slowly building for 3 or 4 months. Possible PPD symptoms require evaluation by a health professional.

If you have postpartum depression, you have had five or more depressive symptoms (including one of the first two listed below) for most of the past 2 weeks, including:1

Depressed mood—tearfulness, hopelessness, and feeling empty inside, with or without severe anxiety.

Loss of pleasure in either all or almost all of your daily activities.

Appetite and weight change—usually a drop in appetite and weight, but sometimes the opposite.

Sleep problems—usually trouble with sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping.

Noticeable change in how you walk and talk—usually restlessness, but sometimes sluggishness.

Extreme fatigue or loss of energy.

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, with no reasonable cause.

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.

Thoughts about death or suicide. Some women with PPD have fleeting, frightening thoughts of harming their babies: these thoughts tend to be fearful thoughts, rather than urges to harm.

Early treatment of PPD is important for both you and your baby. It may be helpful to make a list of postpartum depression symptoms that you can take to your health professional.

Answer 5

Could be post partum... Sounds lke she is very unhappy.  I would really push for her to see a psychologist ASAP

Answer 6

Yes. It's actually quite common, especially if she seems to be reliving her youth, going out drinking or something to that nature. She needs help.  

Answer 7

Everybody reacts differently after having a baby. Especially those who are suffering from post partum depression. Some people are tired and cry all the time and others act wild. I personally was the tired weepy person after my daughter 7 years ago. If she doesn't think she is depressed it is going to be hard to get her to go to a doctor for help. I told my family I was fine for months and refused to see a doctor. I eventually did go, once I figured out my Mom and grandmother were right. You could try telling her that her actions are effecting her baby, but I doubt she will see it that way. I hope your sister in-law gets the help she needs. Good luck!!!