Postpartum Depression

As women age, their responsibilities usually lessen: they have more time for themselves; they become happier; and have less depression. Jane Ussher, Professor of Women's Health Psychology at the University of Western Sydney believes that women are being told that they need medication for PMS, post-natal depression and menopausal stress because their bodies are not functioning properly when in reality their problem is not hormonal, but social.

"The baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally go away within a few days to a week. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. Symptoms are not severe and treatment isn’t needed. But there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms."

"Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinataldepression." "... researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized or treated, because some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the same time. Tiredness, problems sleeping, stronger emotional reactions, and changes in body weight may occur during pregnancy and after pregnancy. But these symptoms may also be signs of depression."