Postpartum Depression affects at least 20% of mothers.  There is no single cause of this condition, but rather a combination of contributing factors including, but not limited to, a drop in estrogen and progesterone and a lack of sleep.

The diagnosis of postpartum depression does not have it’s own criteria, but rather it requires an individual meet the diagnostic criteria of major depression within the postpartum time frame.   

In addition to the experiences of the women in the above video, Brooke Shields wrote a book sharing her experience with postpartum depression.  

Much like major depression, postpartum depression is treated with medications and/or counseling.  There is often a lot of shame surrounding this condition, and this shame all too frequently holds women back from seeking treatment.  It is important for everyone to remember that postpartum depression, like all mental illness, is not the fault of the person experiencing it.  As one of the women in the video shared, “Postpartum depression didn’t make me weak, but becoming victorious over it, that’s what made me strong.”