When you have a baby your whole life changes, so it’s not surprising you are likely to experience a wide range of emotions after the birth. As well as the initial joy you feel when your little one comes into the world, fear and sadness are also common emotions that many new parents experience. The problem comes when these emotions start to have a major impact on your life.

Postpartum (sometimes called postnatal) depression is something that isn’t often talked about, yet it’s surprisingly common. It is said to affect over 1 in 8 women and can occur anytime in the first year after the birth. What’s more surprising is that it can also affect men, though this is pretty rare.

Suffering from postpartum depression is terrifying for new mothers. Having a baby is supposed to be one of the best times of your life, so if you start feeling depressed, it can be extremely confusing. Many sufferers of postpartum depression feel like they must be terrible parents for feeling the way that they do. As the condition isn’t something women like to talk about or admit to, it often goes undiagnosed.

If you’re concerned you may be suffering with postpartum depression, it’s important to seek advice from a doctor as soon as possible. Below you’ll discover everything you need to know about the condition and the types of help available. [Read more…]