Postpartum depression is a
disorder that affects millions of
women each year. After giving
birth, some women experience a
severe depression or
malaise. Symptoms may include excessive
anxiety, recurrent thoughts of
suicide or death, feelings of
failure as a mother, extreme
guilt, profound
sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating,
dysphoric mood, etc.
While most mothers have some difficulty transitioning after giving birth, the 10-15% that are having more severe problems after 14+ days are said to be experiencing postpartum depression. Treatment often comes in the form of counseling, psychotherapy, or extra support from friends and family. More and more doctors are also prescribing antidepressants.