Having a baby should be a time to celebrate, but sometimes a woman experiences a period of depression after giving birth or suffering from a miscarriage. Postpartum depression is commonly mistaken for the “baby blues,” but is actually much more serious and should not be taken lightly.

What causes postpartum depression? There is no single factor to attribute postpartum depression to; rather, it is caused by a combination of several factors. After a woman has a child, she goes through many physical changes, as well as emotional and environmental changes. After giving birth to a baby, a woman’s hormones can change drastically and can easily lead to symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of Postpartum depression include the following:

• Insomnia/difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Severe mood swings
• Inability to bond with the baby
• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

It is important to know that postpartum depression is not a character flaw or weakness, but rather a complication of having a baby. If you’re experiencing any signs of postpartum depression, it’s important that you seek professional help as soon as possible. Your doctor should be able to assess your unique situation and develop a treatment plan for you based on your symptoms and needs. Treatment typically consists of counseling and antidepressant medication.

The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin treatment, and the less effect it will have on your baby. Never be ashamed to talk about postpartum depression. It’s a very real disorder—and one that requires real help. Solace Counseling can help you manage your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery so you can start enjoying your new life with your baby!