Woman comforts her sad friend and wonders if she has post natal depressionThe arrival of a friend’s baby usually brings great excitement and anticipation of a lifetime of shared celebrations and playdates.

But what happens if your friend struggles after the new arrival?

More than 1 in 7 new mums and up to 1 in 20 new dads are diagnosed with postnatal depression (PND) each year in Australia. Even more experience anxiety. Many more struggle without help due to stigma or because they don’t recognise the symptoms of PND.

Often a friend is the first to notice when something is not right. It can be difficult to know what to do or say, especially if you think your friend will not be open to talking about it.

So how can you tell if your friend might have PND, and how can you help?

How to tell if your friend has postnatal depression

Find out as much as you can about postnatal depression and anxiety. The combination of causes and signs will differ in each person.

Common symptoms include:

  • tearfulness
  • irritability
  • changes in appetite
  • inability to sleep even if baby is sleeping
  • feeling sad, inadequate, overwhelmed or numb
  • fear of being alone
  • fear of baby
  • withdrawing from others

Symptoms common to men include:

  • anger
  • withdrawing from family
  • throwing themselves into work
  • increased use of drugs or alcohol

While it’s common for new parents to have some ‘down days’ as they adjust to parenthood, symptoms that last for two weeks or more and impact daily functioning indicate it’s time to get help.

How can you help your friend with postnatal depression?

Encourage your friend to talk about it

It can be very difficult for new parents to admit they’re not coping. Encourage your friend to share his or her concerns and feelings rather than bottling them up. Talking is often the first step in recognising, accepting and seeking help for postnatal depression or anxiety.

Encourage your friend to seek help

Encourage your friend to seek help if they have been struggling with symptoms for two weeks or more. PANDA’s national Helpline, a GP or a Maternal Health Nurse can help work out what is going on and organise the right supports for recovery.

Provide emotional support

Provide non-judgmental support. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say. Listening and being there helps. Try to validate your friend’s experiences and understand that their concerns are real. Express the expectation that they will recover from PND with help. Most importantly, support their accomplishments, even the little things.

Provide practical support

Offer to help with practical tasks or child-minding while your friend attends appointments. Support them to take time out to rest or engage in self-care.

Support treatment options

Be supportive if medication, counselling, support groups or other treatments are required. These are important for recovery.

Hang in there

It can take time for parents to recognise and accept that something may be wrong. You might feel frustrated or disappointed if it seems your friend is resisting help. Hang in there. Be patient, keep listening and remember that your friend will recover with the right support.

Call for back-up if needed

Trust your instincts. If you become seriously concerned about your friend’s wellbeing or ability to look after themselves or their children, call for back-up.

Look after yourself

Importantly, remember to look after yourself. Supporting a friend with postnatal depression or anxiety can be hard and you need to look after your own wellbeing. Do things that nurture you, take a break, and seek support for yourself.

 

– this post was written by Jenni Richardson, PANDA Acting CEO

Image credit: wavebreakmediamicro/123RF Stock Photo

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If you or anyone you know has postnatal depression or anxiety phone PANDA’s National Helpline on 1300 726 306. The helpline operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 7:30pm EST.

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