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.

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