I have a friend with severe post partum depression, what can I do?

Encourage her to see her doctor ASAP. I had post-partum depression and it's awful. Don't take it personally that she doesn't want to see you. She's just overwhlemed right now. It's probably best her mom is around because she can offer the best comfort. My mom was 1000 miles from me when I went through it, but once she flew down to be with me and the baby, it helped tremendously. Your friend has no control over how she's feeling, but just hang in there and she'll come back to you when she's ready.

Hi! Depression like Diabetes won't go away on its own. Hopefully her doctor is in tune with her and can suggest the right treatment before it consumes her and something happens (we all shuddered at the woman who drowned her 5 kids-how much better it would be if someone had intervened before it was too late for those kids!)

Parenting is an overwhelming job-there's no test to prepare & there's no one having exactly the same problems so it is a time that can be quite isolating. Add that there are no directions to the lack of sleep and it's wonder why there aren't more mothers on an island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean just drooling!

Be patient but encourage her (or her much more sane mother) to get help. She deserves to enjoy this time!

It's hard when you have a friend who is suffering from any type of depression. You should definitely make the effort to try and see her. Knowing She has a friend that cares may be all she needs. You could also volunteer to help with the baby.

Often when you are depressed just knowing that there is someone who really cares about you is a great help. Don't feel as though she doesn't want to be around you just because she hasn't called. Sometimes you have to take the first step...who knows, it might just make you both feel better.

Here is a list of things that she can do for herself to help with the depression but she will never know unless you take the first step and reach out.

1.Get good, old-fashioned rest. Always try to nap when the baby naps.

2.Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest! Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.

3.Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.

4.Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house - run an errand or take a short walk.

5.Spend time alone with your husband or partner.

6.Talk to your health care provider about medical treatment. Do not be shy about telling them your concerns. Not all health care providers know how to tell if you have PPD. Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.

7.Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.

8.Join a support group for women with PPD. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.

Remember, the only way for your friend to know about the steps above she can do to help herself is if YOU tell her...

Invite her out to lunch or a movie, shopping, or even just a brisk walk.

Send her a card in the mail to let her know you are thinking of her.

Offer to cook , do laundry or watch the baby for her to give her a break.

Ask your friend's mother what you can do to help.

I had PPD with 2 of my babies, and it is easy to isolate one's self. But going out and socializing really does help.

Encourage your friend (or her mother) to get medical help or join a support group for PPD. Knowing that there are others going thru the same thing helps, and knowing that people care about you helps too.

Just keep being the good friend you are.

Yes, get her out away from the baby......go see a movie, shopping or just have lunch. She needs you right now, you may not think so, but she does. She should really see a doctor, but you can be of help to her too. Let her know that you are there for her and help with the baby. She will thank you in the end. She just needs a little push......

You should tell her to see her doctor. This is very common and very treatable. Some people are embarrassed to talk about it, but being such a close friend I urge you to ask her to see her dr about it.

tell her it's ok to feel a little sad. ask her get help. drugs are good! if she's not into drugs tell her to talk out her insecuraties with you or a doctor. sometimes people shut down when they are overwhelmed. stop by to see her bring some lunch with you she'll need it.

The only thing you can do for her is be there for her. Be there for her to yell at, be there for her to talk to, be there for her to cry on, be there to help her, be there to start her on her way when she is going out, be there for her to stop her when she is going out of control, be there when she needs a break or a shower outside of being there for her there is not much else you can do.

well this is something that is serious and she might need to see a doctor about this and i had it to and its not cool and i know how she fills to and this is no fun so keep by her and just be there and shell love you in the end i know that its hard but youll be ok

give her space maybe she will come around soon