How do I know if my friend has postpartum depression?

Hello there. Sounds like you are a really good friend to be so concerned. PPD has certainly been on the rise. So its no wonder that you might be wondering about your friend. Perhaps doing a little research on the topic itself could give you more insight to the signs and symptoms. And then maybe talk to your friend about what you are feeling. And see if they will in turn open up to you more. It will be up to them to get the help they need if they feel they do have it. But having a supportive friend like yourself would perhaps make it a whole lot easier for them to speak up if they do feel like they have it. And maybe more likely to go get seen and get checked on by their ObGyn/Healthcare provider.

There are certain signs to look out for; however, because only professionals can diagnose, it is important that you don't try to diagnose your friend. Some individuals living with mental disorders may appear to not have signs of that mental disorder. Some people who are not experiencing a particular disorder will appear to be experiencing that disorder. That is why it is very important not to try to diagnose your friend. Maybe you should suggest your friend get evaluated. If it is a genuine concern, I think it would be helpful to your friend to express your concern in a kind manner. Just don't tell your friend what you think he/she has. Leave that to the professionals.

Open communication is key in any relationship. If you feel as though your friend is struggling, there may be a chance that they are not willing to come out to you with their issue yet. Asking if they're okay will go a long way. If they do not need help at the moment, you are showing that you are a friend that is by her side, and if she does need help, aren't you glad you asked?

When my friend had her first baby she was scared to leave the baby alone with anyone but also scared to be alone with her baby. She would also become angry and overwhelmed when her baby would cry and rarely wanted to hold her son. She was tired, easily upset, very negative when talking about her newborn, etc. It was very different from her normal mood and how she was when she was pregnant. The change worried me and her family. I spent a lot of time just sitting on her couch the first few weeks after coming home from the hospital and the support really helped her. Also chocolate helped her a lot too, and she realized her body was missing nutrients that would help balance hormones. It took a while for her to begin to feel okay again. She really struggled for the first year, but now she loves being a mother and has the cutest four year old.