Antenatal/postnatal depression
Want to help friend suffering with PND
SearchingforSleep · 20/11/2013 18:48
A friend has just told me she is suffering with PND. 
She has a newborn (few weeks old) and a nearly 3 year old and has been through a catalogue of really stressful stuff over the last year that would knock anyone for six.
I would like to give her as much support as I can but don't want to make things worse for her. I am fortunate never to have experienced PND although I have had periods where I have struggled and felt low - at the time the last thing I wanted was to socialise although in retrospect it would probably have helped. I know everyone is different and I have asked her what I can do to help and will absolutely follow her lead but I just wondered if there was anything a friend did for you that made a big difference or something you wished someone had done?
Thanks very much 
taffleee · 20/11/2013 19:04
Searching Just be her friend, and it sounds to me she has a very caring one in you - all you can be is be there for her.
What I will say, is (as I know you are posting here regarding your friend) as someone who has been through PND, it would have killed me if I knew a friend of mine was to speak about me to others.
This is an anonymous site, and I know your just asking for advice, which is a great thing, but please don't betray her confidence by speaking to other people on her behalf, if you know what I mean xx
The best thing you can do for her right now is do what your doing, be caring, supportive and a friend xx And you sound like a great one x
MaryShelley · 20/11/2013 19:09
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taffleee · 20/11/2013 19:36
Mary totally, but unfortunately not everyone has help at home at those challenging times of the day with the kids -
MaryShelley · 20/11/2013 22:28
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halfwayupthehill · 20/11/2013 22:52
I would have liked help around the house, the kids taken off me and a good old cuppa.
SearchingforSleep · 21/11/2013 15:53
So sorry - I did reply earlier but it seems to have vanished.
Just wanted to say thank you for your messages and suggestions - really helpful and much appreciated. I absolutely do respect my friend's privacy and won't be discussing this in real life - despite asking for advice on here.
Many thanks again. Hoping for brighter days ahead for everyone. 
NorthernShores · 21/11/2013 15:57
Wow Mary that was fantastic! And just the sort of thing that would have helped in my case. A lot of people don't have anything like that leuk of support.
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