My sister is suffering from Post partum depression. The doctor put her on Effexor. She is making comments ...?

Like she would hurt herself.Plus her newborn is sick with acid-reflux. How should I help her?

Effexor can take up to 3-4 weeks to actually start working (I have been on it for a much milder depression). From what I have heard of this disorder (PPD), the person needs to have someone with them to help with the kids as much as possible until the meds kick in and they feel better. They also need some counseling so they can know that what they are feeling is caused from the PPD and not because she is crazy (which she's not).

So, I think that the best thing for your sister is for you to offer to take the child for awhile, maybe a few hours everyday, so she can get a break. Or take her and the child out for a few hours every day so they can get some air. Just be sure that the baby is bundled up really well as at that age, they can catch many things that can make them horribly sick, which they may not be able to handle yet. Tell your sister positive things about life, her family, your life, etc. I wouldn't tell her anything negative about your life, the world, your family, etc. It may make things worse. Be there for her, talk with her, listen to her, do as much as she will allow you to with/for the child, maybe even do some housework for her as this is a really ahrd time for her to handle a newborn child and housework and depression.

Good luck and I hope that this has helped and that things do work out for her. You are a wonderful sister for wanting to help.

talk to the doctor again, and consider hospitalisation till she gets better. consider moving in with her for a week or two till effexor starts working, good luck

Any anti depressant takes 6 weeks to take effect and then not all are compatible with that individual. If she has been on the drug for longer than 6 weeks she is obviously not showing signs of improvement, she must go back to the doctor to try something else...which will take another 6 weeks before it works. Keep a close eye on her and the baby. Help out with the baby as much as you can. Good luck.

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she might need some 1:1 therapy or more intensive treatment since she's activrly voicing her thoughts of self harm. It's serious and should be taken seriously. Try calling the 1-800 suicide hotline for help or better yet for resources you could try locally. Your local phune book will have a # in the yellow pages under mentql health as well. Someone likely provides a free assessment mand appropriate referral. You may find tourself needing to increase your own outside support system as well since you are concerned and a close family member. An MD would answer baby's acid - reflux better than I, but breast feeding and nervous tensions fee off one another in the same environment. Maby baby senses it as well. Best of luck, try the help out there, that's what its for. There are also community support groups for motheres w/the same problem as your sis. knowing she's not alone might help. And finding how others' cope may give suggestions.

Just reassure her that the baby needs its mother, and that he/she would not want to grow up without its mother nor would she want that. Be there to help as much as possible. Encourange others to help. Be reassuring. I had PPD after the birth of my daughter and my family is what helped me get through.

You need to contact her doctor ASAP. There is such a thing as post-partum psychosis, which is not the same as PPD. Making comments like that is very very serious. I would not leavbe her alone with the baby until she is seen and evaluated at least. She needs help and i hope you can help her find it.

I too suffered with post partum depression, I am still on medication and doing well.Some medication have bad side effects like sucidal I would have her go to her doctor again and maybe change medication.

Most antidepressants take two to six weeks to become fully effective. If she just started taking it make sure she has alot of support and someone around her. Just be there for her and reassure her that post-partum depression is very treatable. If she's been on the meds for over a month and not improving, she should talk to her doctor. She may need a higher dose or a different med. If she exhibits any severe or psychotic symptoms (such as paranoid or delusional thinking, hallucinations, incoherent speech, severe confusion or bizarre behavior) she should be taken to the hospital IMMEDIATELY.