How to support someone with postpartum depression

How can I help my friend who has postpartum depression? When to seek professional help for postpartum depression? Here are six ways you can help someone who is going through it.

Make it about her—not the baby. Stop trying to solve her problems.

Quit asking what you can do and just start. Use care when criticizing. No relationship is perfect, and there are bound to be issues. Talking was one of my best treatments when my PPD was at its worst. Listen to Her Feelings.

Remind Her This is Temporary. Notice the Small Things. For someone with postpartum depression , their emotions change throughout the day without warning.

Chances are, when you want to talk, won’t be when she wants to talk and vice versa. Checking in and asking how she’s feeling is a great way to help a mother with postpartum depression. But they aren’t surprising. According to the American Psychological Association, it is estimated that 9-percent of women who have had a baby will experience postpartum depression.

Sometimes, talking with someone who has been in the same situation and can relate can mean the world for a woman suffering from postpartum depression. Taking advantage of natural treatment. Simple acts like eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. Moms with symptoms of PPD do not have to continue to suffer indefinitely.

If her PPD goes untreate it can affect her ability to care for herself and for her baby. Encourage her to contact a doctor, nurse or midwife for help. We asked mothers in our community who had postpartum depression (PPD) to tell us the best way to support a new mother who’s in a difficult place. Here’s what they had to say: 1. Please don’t ignore me or push how I’m feeling aside.

I’m asking for help in my own way. Share your own experience with PPD. Chat online with other moms in forums like Postpartum Progress.

Supporting a Partner with Postpartum Depression Know the Signs. Take Time to be Together. Help her coordinate her community.

While everyone offers “to help ” after a new baby is born, it is often overwhelming to ask after a few sleepless nights, when life becomes a blur of caring for the baby and dealing with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) can strike when you least expect it, and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to help. Especially if you’re a friend who wants to lend their assistance.

If you find yourself in a supporting position, here are six ways to help a friend with postpartum depression: 1. Ask her what you can do. Don’t assume what you can do for your friend. Method Providing Support and Reassurance.

How To Support A New Mom Who Is Struggling With Postpartum Depression by Dr. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from postpartum depression , but she is reluctant to have a conversation about the topic, there are things that you can do: Educate yourself on postpartum depression and anxiety. Get support for yourself. Talk to a friend or family member about your.

And you can learn the various ways to best support your loved one. Below, Deborah Serani, Psy a psychologist who’s struggled with depression herself, shares nine valuable strategies.