How can I keep an eye out for signs of postpartum depression?

Question

I have a close friend who suffered terribly following her previous child (I didn't know her back then) and she is up and down at the best of times. She has just had a child with a new partner, and he is less than a day old so things sre still pretty crazy, but what should I look for? And how to distinguish signs from those of any worn out new mother? Interested to hear from those who have been there or had friends/family go through it.

Answer 1

no sleep ,crying alot ,no apatite,feel no intrest in life ,lifeless,

Answer 2

Look it up online, it will tell u what to look for, pretty much the same symptoms of major depressive disorder...nice u are looking out for your friend, but she's probably already tuned in and on the lookout; it is NOT FUN, from exp

btw if it is ppd it will last more than the first few weeks while she's not getting any sleep....and be more severe

Answer 3

Just sadness and hopelessness that go above and beyond the normal baby blues.

Answer 4

there is a supplment called SAMe. you can buy it at costco or trader joes. its great for post partum blues, ask a doctor what he thinks.it worked for me.

Answer 5

crying, mood swings

Answer 6

First off, it's wonderful of you to want to watch out for your friend. That alone can help make a difference. :)

Some of these may be hard to notice if you're not living with her, but over-eating/loss of appetite, sleeping too much/not enough, feelings of hopelessness, paranoia over baby/seemingly detached from baby, has a hard time following a conversation. These are some of the symptoms that I had with PPD.

Seeing as she suffered with PPD with her first child, she is more at risk to have it again. Especially seeing you say that she is up and down normally. Could you convince her to talk with her OB about it now, before it could become a bigger concern? He/she may want to put her on an anti-depressant to put a stop to it before it starts or gets worse.

What you can do is listen to her when she needs someone and ask if she needs help (even if just to hold the baby while she showers or takes a quick nap). You're a great friend. :D