Time, patience, and support from family and friends are all helpful during this period of adjustment. Sometimes, in spite of help and support, women may feel bewildered and concerned about themselves. These more confusing emotions are common among postpartum women. Symptoms may include crying for no apparent reason, impatience, irritability, restlessness and anxiety. However, if you experience symptoms more gradually and find they last more than two weeks, they may be a result of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is documented as a women's health problem on the rise.
While statistics vary, it is estimated that at least one in ten new mothers experience postpartum depression. These symptoms can occur within days of the delivery or appear gradually, sometimes up to a year or so later, and last at least two weeks. Women suffering from postpartum depression usually experience several symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Although postpartum depression does not take the same form for every woman, all of the symptoms can be equally distressing and often leave feelings of shame, guilt and isolation. The cause of postpartum depression remains unknown.